BRITISH NAPOLEONIC UNIFORMS ” Ag; Oh Bo. a MaeBRITISH NAPOLEONIC UNIFORMS THE FIRST COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO UNIFORMS, FACINGS AND LACE, A fully illustrated account of the uniforms and distinctions of each numbered regiment of cavalry and infantry in the British Napoleonic Army with a full and complete list of regimental facings, lace and distinctions including the tartans of the highland regiments C.E. FRANKLINTo Barbara and Lindsey and all those without whose help this book could not have been written. First published 2008, “The History Press ‘The Mill, Brimscombe Port Seoud, Gloucestershire, ct3 206 ww thehistorypres co.uk Page design by CLE, Franklin © CE. Franklin, 2008 ‘The right of C.F. Franklin to be identified a the Author of thie work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyrights, Designs and Patents Act 1988 Allright reserved. No pat of this hook muy be reprinted for reproduced or wie in any form or by any dectronic, ‘echnical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, ‘cluding photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or eetrevl system, without the permision in writing fom the Publishers British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A caalogue record for this book is availabe from the British Library ISBN 978 1 86227 484 6 Printed in IndsPart One Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Part Two Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Part Three Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Part Four Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Appendix A Appendix B Contents Preface The Cavalry Commonalities Cavalry Headwear Cavalry Coats and Jackets Cavalry Netherwear Cavalry Accoutrements Cavalry Harness and Horse furniture Cavalry Swords and Carbines The Cavalry Regiments Cavalry Introduction Regiments of Heavy Cavalry Regiments of Light Cavalry Infantry Commonalities Infantry Headwear Infantry Coats and Jackets Infantry Netherwear ‘Tartans of the Highland Regiments Infantry Accoutrements Infantry Swords, Muskets and Carbines The Infantry Regiments Infantry Introduction Regiments of Foot Guards Regiments of Foot Rank Distinctions of Officers and Enlisted Men The Sources Glossary Index Regimental Index 2 16 24 26 7 45 7 108 4 122 124 128 137 146 7 152 310 317 319 324 328Preface This book illustrates and identifies the different uniforms of the numbered regiments of cavalry and infantry within the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. Named but unnumbered regiments, foreign regiments in British pay, regiments especially recruited for service in the colonies or the veteran and Garrison battalions have not been included. ‘The first phase of the Napoleonic Wars began in February 1793 and continued until the Peace of Amiens in March 1802. The second phase started in May 1803, and continued until after June 1815 when Napoleon abdicated. At the beginning of the conflict the British uniforms were beginning a process of change. The shortcomings of the long, coats had become self-evident and the war provided the stimulation to provide a progressive replacement of the unsatisfactory items. The exact nature of the dress of a unit at any one time is difficult to resolve as there were no official dress regulations published before 1833, just a random series of Orders and individual regulations published by Horse Guards, most of which are recorded in the papers of the National Archive. There are the contemporary illustrations of the period and those known extant examples have been consulted during the preparation of this, study. It may be that other regulations and items exist in private hands, but those in the public domain have been considered. In some of the regimental illustrations hat plates, breast plates and buttons have been included; these are selected examples to give a feel for the type and style and do not attempt to record the changes in pattern for any particular regiment throughout the period In every case, the reader should remember that uniformity was an ideal rather than a fact, and it must also be remembered that it was the practice of officers to adopt whatever variations of dress they considered appropriate. It is quite clear that whatever the regulations prescribed, the personnel were often dressed in a manner contrary to the current regulations. In many cases the significant factors were a combination of regimental practice, the size of the purse, being dressed a la mode, and often simply what was available. Provision of the uniforms for the other ranks was the responsibility of the colonel of the regiment. They arranged for manufacture and supply according to the laid down pattern or their whim, on repayment from the treasury, and so regimental variations were common, Officers purchased their own uniforms, usually following the practice and tradition of the regiment rather than regulations. The history of dress for any regiment invariably relies upon many influences, not least the decisions of the colonel. In many cases, the apparent absence of any surviving clothing or records has meant many of the previous studies have been limited. This book draws together contemporary information to provide a new insight into the uniforms and regimental identification of the different regiments of the period; while some of the material has been considered before, much is placed into the public domain for the first time.8 Britis NAPOLEONIC UNIFORMS Dress Regulations The dates at which regulations were issued should not be confused with the dates when uniform changes were adopted. While there are instances where the regulations were anticipated, often they were adopted much later. This was in part due to the vagaries of the supply system, particularly for those regiments serving abroad, but often the regimental attitude to new changes and the loss of old distinctions acted to delay the introduction even further. Wellington was notoriously indifferent to who wore what, and the drawings by contemporary artists make it clear that the outfits worn in the field often depicted uniforms and equipment outdated by the regulations. While the new regulations may have been received, the ability to meet them, or even maintain current uniforms, was often beyond local resources, the exceptions being new arrivals who may well have been dressed in the style prescribed by the current regulations. It should be noted that the new cavalry jackets, formally introduced in 1812 and passed to the military tailors in December of 1811, were not available at the earliest until February 1812, and had still not been adopted by some regiments serving abroad until after 1816. ‘The regimental titles used to identify the regiments are those of the Army List of 1815 and the index refers to regiments by both number and name. The numbers of the British cavalry and infantry regiments during the Napoleonic Wars varied considerably. It peaked about 1794 when there were 33 regiments of light dragoons and 135 regiments of foot, but many of these higher numbered regiments only existed for a very short time and most had been disbanded by the Peace of Amiens. Most of the infantry regiments were allocated a county or area title, ostensibly the area from which the regiment drew recruits, but this was often not the case. Ranks The senior officer of a regiment was the colonel; in rank often a lieutenant colonel, but sometimes both. A senior or field officer referred to majors and above and could include the adjutant, but more usually, he was a junior officer. Junior officers included captains, also known as company officers. Subalterns referred to lieutenants, ensigns or cornets. Enlisted men included non-commissioned officers (NCOs) usually used to refer to ranks of lance-sergeant and above, including the corporal of horse who ranked as a sergeant. The rank and file included corporals, lance corporals or chosen men, later known as junior NCOs. Within the rank and file, private soldier referred to those men without any distinction of rank, although trooper was often used within the cavalry. The rank structure in use during the period is given at Appendix A. period the regimental distinctions took many forms. The cavalry regiments were more readily recognised by the style of their uniform, some involving special badges or other regimental devices worn on the shabraque or sabretache. In the infantry, where there were many more regiments, each was prescribed a series of differences that enabled it to be recognised. These differences were published in regulations from the Horse Guards and are discussed in detail under the relevant headings. The regiments in the British Army were identified in three main ways. The first was the colour of the facings, the second the arrangement and colour of the lace or buttons ‘worn on the coat or jacket, and at much closer quarters the design and number on the buttons and in the infantry the coloured threads woven into the white lace of the private soldiers and junior NCOs. Alllof these factors together with the style of hat or helmet and a multiplicity of other distinctions adopted by the regiments contributed to the overall identification of any particular regiment Part One illustrates those items of uniform common to the cavalry, and are more properly presented in this part rather than constant repetition in each illustration. In Part Two the text and illustrations show the generic change in uniform, the colour of the facings and the shape and nature of the lace for the officers and enlisted men of the cavalry. This includes the Household Cavalry and the Royal Horse Guards (Blue), the heavy cavalry represented by the dragoon guards and dragoons, the light cavalry represented by the light dragoons and hussar regiments Part Three addresses those items of uniform that were common to the infantry. It also addresses the tartans of the highland regiments and the dress of the infantry drummers. Part Four considers the details of the infantry; it includes the three regiments of foot guards and all the numbered regiments of foot. The text and illustrations show the generic change in uniform, the colour of the facings and the shape and nature of the lace for the officers and enlisted men. Together the illustrations provide an overall view of the dress for each numbered regiment of cavalry and infantry during the period. It should be remembered that the terms used throughout the period have different connotations in the world of today and the following definitions are included as a guide:PREFACE 9 Clothing This is a term usually applied to such items as caps and helmets, jackets and coats, breeches, trousers, boots, greatcoats, spurs and sashes, in fact any articles for which sealed patterns existed. It was supplied by contractors to the regiment, theoretically once a year on 25 December, and then fitted to the men by local or regimental tailors. Variation in the design, workmanship and quality, particularly in the uniforms of the other ranks, was a regular occurrence. Appointments or Accoutrements ‘These items included all belts, pouches, sabretaches, sword knots, horse furniture, harness and saddles. They were provided in the same manner as the clothing but had to be replaced at the owners expense if lost before the due expiry date. Necessaries ‘These were considered such items as stockings or socks, waistcoats, gloves, stocks, shirts, brushes, small tools and personal cleaning materials for both men and horse. These were ‘sold’ to the other ranks, supposedly at no added cost, and the money stopped from his pay. Arms These were the weapons of the officers and other ranks and included swords not privately purchased, all firearms, bayonets, scabbards, and included the drums and bugles or trumpets. Included among these items were the haversacks, knapsacks and water bottles and any tentage or other camp equipment. These were supplied free of charge from the Board of Ordnance but if lost before their time, the losses were charged to the regiment. Presentation In order to prevent endless repetition in the cavalry and infantry illustrations those generic items of clothing, accoutrements and equipment are described in Part One and Three of this book. The reader is reminded that what ‘was actually worn on any given occasion was more often dependent upon the foibles, fashion and necessities of the time, rather than the regulations then currently in force.PART ONE The Cavalry CommonalitiesCHAPTER ONE Cavalry Headwear Cocked Hat At the start of the war the cocked hat was the standard form of dress for officers, but the shape had changed from the three folds of the tricorn to a bicorn with two folds, the left turn-up held a black cockade, held in place by a loop and button, The hats assumed shapes and proportions that were impossible to wear and were known as ‘chapeaux bras wom only on the arm, The cocked hats are considered in detail in Part Three. Heavy Cavalry Helmet In January of 1812, the pattern for the new helmet of the heavy cavalry was sealed and was intended for issue to all the heavy cavalry. This design included a chenille crest that was considered unsuitable and replaced by one of horsehair, but only after several regiments had ordered the new helmets from the suppliers. These seem to have had a variety of crest, some in a caterpillar form and while they are shown in illustrations, it is unclear when they were worn. The situation was finally resolved in August when two styles were settled upon. The chenille crest was retained by the Life Guards and Royal Horse Guards Blue while the dragoon guards and dragoons were issued with a revised version with a thirty inch long horse tail mane. The later version used by the household cavalry was distinguished by the gilt metal peak worn by the officers. The helmet had a black leather skull with a guard bar on each side. The front was gilt with a double foliate border surrounding a reversed ‘GR’ cipher below a crown. Immediately above the peak was a small ovoid plate with the name of the regiment in two rows of upper case letters. The lower part of the skull had three rows Of gilt scales; the chin scales were a similar design with a medusa’s face to the boss. The front of the helmet crest had a ‘medusa’ face and each side had four semi-circular flutes surrounded by garlands of roses, thistles and shamrocks. The black over red chenille crest was of silk for the officers and worsted for the troopers, the crest of the Royal Horse Guards Blue, being blue over red. On the right side of the helmet was a white over red feather in a gilt plume holder. A RA The helmets ofthe heavy cavalry. An offcer’s helmet ofthe Life Guards (1) and that ofa trooper of the Royal Horse Guards Blue (2). The second sion of the helmet issued for the dragoon guards and dragoons, an officer's helmet (3) and that of a trooper (4).CAVALRY HEADWEAR 13 Early and late versions of the Tarleton helmet. An enrly other ranks helmet ofa regiment with red facings (1) and an officer's helmet of the 24th Light Dragoons with a leopard skin turban (2). A late version helmet for a trooper (3) and an offcer’s helmet of the 21st Light Dragoons (4), The helmets of officers usually had three chains at each point while the other ranks normally had two. The version issued to the heavy cavalry followed a similar pattern but had no side guards and a black leather peak for all ranks. The front plate was as described earlier but the boss of the chinstrap was of standard design. The crest still had ‘a medusa’s head in front but now had eighteen fluting on each side in an alternate pattern. The black horsehair mane was secured at the front in a tuft and then passed through a gilt bound wooden boss to fall some thirty-three inches. The mane fell to either side of the helmet and it soon became fashionable to have a plaited loop to retain it. Tarletons ‘The headdress worn by the light cavalry at the start of the war was the ‘Tarleton’ helmet. The early patterns had a low crown with the base of the leather skull forming a straight line to the peak, a sparse crest and a two inch high turban originally intended to fold down for additional protection in foul weather but which had become just an item of decoration. The crown of the helmet carried a black bear skin comb secured by laces through holes in the crown either side of the centre seam. In spite of the many moder illustrations showing otherwise, most of the Tarleton helmets of the period had no chin scales. They became the fashion for those who could afford them, but for many other ranks, they were not fitted. Dighton’s illustrations of the fashionable light cavalry bucks of the day show no such attachments. The early helmets were more usually fitted with cords or ribbons that tied under the queue to keep the helmet in place. officers’ Tarleton helmets were of a similar pattern to that of the men but with silver fittings, double or treble chains and a fuller bearskin crest. By 1800, a more elegant pattern appeared with a pronounced curve to the base of the helmet. This had a higher, some eight inch crown and was some ten inches from peak to back with a leather edging to the base of the crown. The skull was made of formed leather; the slightly pointed peak was formed as an integral part with the crown and edged with white metal. Secured around each side of the crown by fine metal chains was a turban of facing colour, or in some cases leopard skin, and these tied at the rear in a rosette and those of officers were often fitted with tassels. Around the turn of the century, the plume and turban changed from facing colour to a white over red plume and a black silk turban. Across the front of the helmet above the peak was a white metal band carrying the embossed regimental title. On the right side of the crown above the turban was a regimental badge, often bearing special regimental devices. On the left side of the helmet above the turban was a plume holder, carrying a ten-inch feather, which could be encased in a waterproof cover when on active service. ‘Tropical Helmets In 1796, it was decided to introduce a metal helmet for wear in the tropics. This helmet had the skull and peak made of tinned iron and painted black. The crest had the face of a lion on the front and a flowing red horsehair crest. Some were fitted with turbans and chains and carried bullion tassels at the rear. Usually, like the Tarleton, there was a band above the peak to carry the regimental title. There were several variations on this helmet and these are shown in the appropriate regimental illustrations. Mirlitons Around the turn of the century the mirliton became a popular form of headwear and was often worn instead of the cocked hat. It is not clear if this headdress was worn by all ranks but there are suggestions that it may have been by some. The hat was a form of tapered shako but was clearly identifiable by the long wing, which was worn wound round the hat or allowed to fall free. This was often lined in a particular colour and is shown laced in some4 Britis NaPoLEonic UNIFORMS ‘The different styles of shako introduced by the 1811 Regulations. The coloured cap of the 10th Hussars (1), the light dragoon shako ofan officer of. assitoer laced regiment (2) and the shako of a trooper ofa yellow laced regiment (3). The side view of the shako showing the alse rear peak (4). cases. There was a rosette or badge on the front and a white over red plume word at the top. Other items, soon to become equally fashionable, were the elaborate cords and flounders which wound round the hat and terminated in flounders and tassels. The shako shown worn by heavy cavalry in the Peninsular may well have been a version of this hat but without the flying wing and with the addition of a folding peak. Shako of 1811 ‘These were black, brown in the tropics, eight and one half inches deep with the top diameter of fourteen inches with a two-inch band of lace. They had a plain black leather peak, with a deep, turned up, false peak at the rear. The lace band at the top, the other decoration and the chin scales were in the regimental lace colour, gold or silver for the officers and yellow or white for the other ranks. The cap lines were mixed gold and crimson for the officers and yellow or white for the other ranks. In 1815, rank indications were the adding of intertwined braid circles below the top band. Other regimental variations are recorded and these are illustrated in the regimental illustrations. The shako had a cut red over white feather plume for officers and a similar worsted tuft for the other ranks. Chin scales were gilt or silvered for officers and brass or white metal for the men. The shakos worn by the hussar regiments were similar. Fur Cap The first fur cap was some fourteen inches tall, twelve inches in diameter with the bag falling to about twenty inches on any side. The white egret feathers rose a further fourteen inches with the ring at some six inches from the base and the red feather base was some two inches tall. A pair of cap lines passed around the cap and terminated in flounders and tassels. These early tall fur caps were replaced by the later, shorter version. This was some nine inches high, eleven inches diameter at the top and eight inches diameter at the bottom. The bag, now designed to be worn over the rightshoulder, fell to about ten inches. The plume for officers was a white over red feather plume, eighteen inches high, and rising from a gilt socket. Gold cap lines were plaited into a chain and wound round the cap and hung on the wearer's right, terminating in tassels and flounders. These later fur caps were fitted with gilt or brass chin scales, although there are some examples of them being fitted earlier. ‘The early and late fur cap. The examples shown represent the early fur cap ofa trooper of the 10th Hussars (1) and that of an officer (2). The later ‘versions are illustrated by an example ofa trooper of the 18th Hussars (3) and that ofan officer of the 7th Hussars (4)CAVALRY HEADWEAR 15 “=e 8 28 Some of the many types of fatigue caps for the different arms of service. Those more often associated with the cavalry (1,2 and 4) and those of the infantry (3, 5 and 6). Fatigue-hats There were many types of fatigue-hat attributed to the cavalry at this time, but by 1810 the cavalry other ranks had mostly adopted a blue topped version with the band in white or facing colour, although there were many variants. Officers were permitted considerable freedom of choice and the style, taste and impact required was probably more important than the cost. A fatigue hat worn by many officers was copied from the French ‘bonnet de police’CHAPTER TWO The Cavalry Coats and Jackets At the start of the war, the heavy cavalry still wore scarlet long tailed coats; the only exception were the Horse Guards who wore blue. These coats were closed to the waist in line with the general trend that affected the infantry and continued in use until they were replaced by the jacket introduced later that year, although officers retained the long coat for dress and at court. In 1796, a new shorter jacket that cleared the seat when on horseback was introduced and this was further changed in 1812 when a completely new style of jacket and helmet was introduced for the heavy cavalry. Heavy Cavalry Jacket of 1796 InJuneof 1796, thenew shorter style of jacket was being made by military tailors from patternsheld in the Comptroller's Office. These patterns applied to both dragoon guards and dragoons, but itis clear that it took some years before all regiments had adopted this new style, the 5th Dragoon Guards only adopting it in June of 1800. The new jackets were shorter to clear the saddle. Initially the new jackets for the dragoon guards had three inch turned back lapels of facing colour. These reached from the collar to the eighth button, but were dispensed with in 1797, although some trumpeters are shown to have retained them in full dress. ‘The new jacket for private soldier is described in detail in the contemporary tailors’ notes and these entries have been 1 2 4 ‘The long conts ofthe dragoon guards and dragoons. That of an officer ofthe 6th Dragoons (1), trooper ofthe 6th Dragoon Guards (2), an officer (of the 3rd Dragoons and a trooper of the 2nd Dragoon Guards after de Bosset.Cavatry Coats AND JACKETS 7 MAOhenen The short jacket introduced forthe heavy cavalry in 1796 from the pattern book of JN&B Pearse. The jacket of the 3rd Dragoons (1), the jacket ofa trooper of the 6th Dragoon Guards (2), jacket ofan officer of the 6th Dragoons (3) and the jacket of the Ist Dragoon Guards after the lapels soere discontinued (4). 3rd Regiment of Dragoon Guards, June 1796. New pattern coat of the Comptrollers Office. Red cloth. Cuffs, collar, lapels, straps and turn-backs all of white cloth. Wing, red cloth. Body lined with white Padua, sleeves with Bro. Irish (2), Two outside pockets. Double headed loops by twos, two small on collar, eight large on lapels with Bro. Irish (?). Two outside pockets. Double headed loops by twos, two small on collar, eight large on lapels and two under the lapels in front. Two on the sleeve, open at the wrist with two buttons. Shoulder straps laced round. Wings edged all round with white cloth. Turn-backs laced and dubby round with small button. Lapels to button over. Straps and wings having scales placed between the two cloths. The jacket for the dragoons was similar and the tailors’ notes read: Ist Royal Dragoons. New pattern coat of the Comptrollers Office. Red cloth. Blue cuffs, collar, turn-backs, straps and dubby. Red wing, no lapels but made in the same manner as the Dragoon Guards — feather all round with white cloth. The new pattern waistcoat. Red cloth, Blue cuffs, collar, and straps. Body lined Padua, sleeves unlined. Two pockets. Twist buttonholes, no lace. To be cut exactly like the Dragoon Guards. The cuffs of the other ranks of the dragoon guards were no longer indented, but square like those of the dragoons. Generally the coats were scarlet for the officers and red for the other ranks, but it is clear that senior NCOs also wore scarlet, and as officers usually had their jackets made by private tailors, some variation in style inevitably occurred as each attempted to obtain the best jacket their purse would allow. Surviving jackets show different angles and amount of lace to the chest and cuff but surviving jackets of the dragoon guards are shown laced down the front edge and some surviving examples still show the indented cuff. Officers quickly adopted separate scaled wings or epaulettes and the lace of the jackets was usually edged in a bead of facing colour and white cloth. It is clear from surviving examples that the style of the jacket introduced in 1796 had changed in several ways. The first change was the movement of the buttons to the centre; these were now mounted on an inside strip of red material and buttoned through the left side instead of the hooks and eyes used earlier. A strip of vertical lace on the right edge of the jacket became a distinction for dragoon guards. Another later change was the introduction of a tommy to the rear of the jacket in a style reminiscent of the infantry, the rear turn-backs being dispensed with. The only surviving examples of these jackets are those of officers, but it may be assumed that the jackets of the other ranks followed the same changes in style as they were reordered from the military contractors. ‘The Heavy Cavalry Jacket of 1812 ‘The new scarlet jacket was fastened down the front by twenty brass hooks and eyes. The collar, cuffs and turn-backs were of facing colour and the front of the jacket, both sides of the chest, the cuffs and turn-backs were edged about by a two-inch lace with a central train or ladder of facing colour. The turn-backs were six and a half inches wide and nine and a half inches long from the waist, the cuffs of the dragoons were three and a half inches tall to the bottom edge of the lace and there was also a large brass hook at the waist to support the girdle. The dragoon guards were distinguished by gauntlet cuffs, scarlet mounted shoulder straps of lace and an unlaced red patch on the front of the collar which was extended to the top of the collar and the jacket lengthened to cover the hips after the war.18 Britist NAPOLEONIC UNIFORMS The short jacket introduced forthe heavy envalry about 1807. The shape ofthe turn-backs and skirts has changed and the rear turn-backs have been replaced by a tommy. The regulations record no change in the number of loops but extant jackets exhibit individual variations. The jacket ofan officer ofthe 3rd Dragoon Guards (1), one ofthe 2nd Dragoon Guards (2), one ofthe 1st Dragoons (3) and one ofthe 6th Dragoons (4) ‘The dragoons had the chest lace extending to the top of the collar, pointed cuffs and shoulder straps of facing colour edged about with narrow lace. The jackets of the officers were of better quality with scarlet material and gold or silver lace. Generally the dragoon guards wore a two inch, four vellum, double bias, train lace with the centre stripe the colour of the facings, the Ist Dragoon Guards wore a four vellum lace with a ‘broken’ bias and a central train of blue. The dragoons wore a two-inch gold or silver train lace with a central stripe of regimental colour. Officers of both the dragoons and the dragoon guards wore a twisted gold or silver royal cord shoulder strap secured by two small regimental buttons. The lace of the Life Guards and Royal Horse Guards Blue was of two inch diamond and four vellum lace, that on the collar was one and a half inch diamond and three vellum lace. The military tailors’ notes of JN&B Pearse record that the new heavy cavalry jacket of 1811 for a private soldier of the dragoon guards required five and a half yards of broad lace, two breast buttons (for the shoulder straps), one large brass hook (for the girdle) and twenty brass hooks and eyes (to close the front). The trumpeters required the same quantity of lace as the private soldiers. The same notes record that the dragoon jacket only required four and a quarter yards of broad lace but a further one and a half yards of narrow lace for the cuffs, two breast buttons (for the shoulder straps), one large brass hook (for the girdle) and twenty brass hooks and eyes (to close the front). The cuff was two inches deep at the sides and three and a half inches at the centre. Trumpeters had the same quantity of lace as the private soldiers. There are two schools of though regarding the jackets of the dragoon guards. One is the officers ‘wore lace to the front of the collar but the other ranks did not, wearing just the red patch. The other is that the lace to bo The new style jacket and girdle introduced in 1811 for wear by the heavy cavalry, also worn by the household cavalry and the Royal Horse Guards Blue, who wore the same cuffs as the dragoon guards. The colour of the facings and lace acted to differentiate the regiments, the trooper’ jacket of the 4th Dragoon Guards (1), An officer's jacket ofthe 3rd Dragoon Guards (2). The dress sash of an officer (3), a trooper's jacket of the Ist Dragoons (4) and an offcer’s jacket of the 4th Dragoons (5). The girdle for a trooper of the 6th Dragoons (6) an officer's girdle (7) and the gine for a trooper of the Ist Dragoons (8).Cavatry Coats AND JACKETS 19 The style of light cavalry jacket worn by the light cavalry at the start of the war. The colour of the facings and the buttons and lace acted to differentiate the regiment, as did the pattern and method of looping betzoeen the buttons. The jacket ofan officer with silver lace (1) and the shell acket worn over the under jacket (2). The sleeveless shell jacket of trooper (3) and the sleeved jacket worn under it (4), collar did not occur until after the war when'tfe jackets were also lengthened to come over the hip. Either is a distinct possibility, but my preference in theli@ht of the evidence is for the latter. Sabretache Sabretache with a rounded lower edge were being wom by heavy cavalry by 1812, but were not officially sanctioned until 1814. The regulations prescribed they were to be worn with short slings and high on the side. This like the shape was often not adhered to. Heavy Cavalry Trumpeters Like the drummers of infantry, the colonel of the regiment was the determining factor in the uniform of the trumpeters and it is clear that the trumpeters and musicians were dressed at considerable expense and sometimes in quite outlandish uniforms. The uniforms of the trumpeters had become so conspicuous with their reversed colours, Glasgow’ sleeves and horseshoe wings that it well explains the regulation of September 1811 that the trumpeters should be dressed in a similar manner to that of the private soldiers. ‘The Evolution of the Light Cavalry Uniforms Unlike the heavy cavalry and infantry, where the uniform evolved from one form to another, the uniforms worn by the light cavalry over the period differed between those of the light dragoons and those of the regiments nominated to become hussars. At the start of the war the universal light cavalry uniform was a shell jacket and under-coat. In 1796 this changed to the short-laced jacket. Those regiments nominated to be hussars continued with this style but in a more elaborate and individualistic fashion, while in 1812 a totally new uniform was introduced for the regiments of light dragoons. The light dragoons and the later hussar regiments during the period had adopted a different style of shabraque, which served to identify the regiments. Each regiment was allocated a colour for the facings and their lace and buttons. The lace of the other ranks was usually yellow or white but non-commissioned officers often wore metallic lace at the collar and cuffs as a distinction of rank. The pattern and shape of the shabraque and sabretache added to the regimental identification. Light Cavalry Shell Jacket and Coat of 1793 This uniform had been originally introduced in 1784, but by the start of the war the dress of the other ranks comprised 2 flannel under-waistcoat that buttoned to the breeches, over this was worn a dark blue long sleeved coat that reached to just below the waist. Over this was worn a sleeveless hip length jacket or shell with wings at the shoulder to cover the join. The shell had two buttons below the waist to which the turn-backs could be buttoned and the shell was often worn with the tumn-backs buttoned back and the jacket open from the neck. The facings were displayed on the collar and pointed cuffs of the under jacket and on the collar of the shell. Those regiments with buff facings also wore buff linings and royal regiments wore a red collar and cuffs. The shell jacket of the officers’ came complete with sleeves and could be wom slung from cords much like the later pelisse; some also carried tassels to the cord lacing of the shell. It is also clear that regimental distinctions and practices had been established to the method and patterns of lacing on both the under and over jacket and the 10th Light Dragoons had adopted the outer frame of lace for officers but not the other ranks. It may be that the jackets were lined with facing colour or the turn-backs were so faced, but there is no clarification to this point. The jackets were laced silver or gold for the officers and white and yellow thread20 Brivis NAPOLEONIC UNIFORMS The style of light cavalry jacket authorized in January 1796 for use by the light cavalry. The colour of the facings and the buttons and lace acted todifferentiate the regiments. All regiments initially wore scaled wings but most had ceased to do so by 1797; many seem to have never worn them. The jacket ofan officer (1) and that ofa trooper with the cloth covered metal scales introduced with this jacket (2). The tropical version of the same jacket in French Blue (3). cord for the other ranks. The jackets, shells and waistcoats only had three seams, one at the centre of the back and two passing from the rear waist to the shoulders; the fit at the armholes would have suffered accordingly. Sergeants were distinguished by silver or gold loopings and Corporals by metallic cord thread on the collar and cuffs. Trumpeters wore shell and jacket of facing colours and were laced about on the seams with darts on the sleeves. The outer shell was not usually worn in the East and West Indies. Light Cavalry Jacket of 1796 In April 1795 the orders for a new style of jacket was formally notified for those regiments of light cavalry currently being formed. It was dark blue, waist length and single breasted, with collar, cuffs shoulder straps and wings of the facing colour. The straps and wings were lined with blue cloth, corded about with white cord, and lined with scales like those introduced for the Dragoons. Just below the hip the front of the jacket sloped away to form points, the front was laced with eighteen or nineteen rows of white or yellow thread cord for the men and metallic cord for the officers and NCOs. The lace was carried across the three buttons, with loops to the outside except for the top and bottom buttons which had half-loops. The rear of the jacket for the other ranks had two braided plaits and a pocket was placed at each hip with a false crow’s foot of white cord below. The cuffs and collar were seamed all round with cord loops and two buttonsat the cuff. The body was lined with padua and the sleeves and pockets with linen. The earliest of these jackets were being made to the new regulations in 1795 and similar patterns were still being made in 1800. In January of 1796 it was decided that the colour of the jacket for those light dragon units serving in the East Indies and at the Cape should be of grey (French blue), those for units serving in the West Indies should be blue. This was subject to some debate and it was ordered in February that the colour should be changed to blue for all areas. The style of waistcoats. The waistcont ofa soldier ofa line regiment (1), and that of alight cavalry jacket of 1796 (2). The later version illustrated by Charles Hamilton Smith (3) and the wnistcoat of a heavy cavalry regiment (4) they were the same style for both dragoon guards and dragoons.Cavatry Coats AND JACKETS a The style of light cavalry jacket in use by 1800, the Dolman. These jackets are typical ofthe period. This front view of an officer's jacket is typical (1) and the rear view shows the lacing became more elaborate over time (2). A similar jacket for the 29th Light Dragoons in India where the influences were less pronounced (3) Itwas clearly a matter of some issue to the regiments that had the jackets already made up and eventually in July 1796 the orders were reverted by Royal Decree to the original intent. Officers obtained their uniforms from private tailors and itis clear that there was considerable variation in the style of braid to the front and back, as well as the collar and cuff decoration. Officers were also required to wear scale epaulettes and wings, but these seem to have been soon abandoned. Light Cavalry Trumpeters ‘The uniforms of the light cavalry trumpeters were extreme. The colonel of the regiment was the determining factor in the uniform of the trumpeters ~as with the heavy cavalry —and the trumpeters and musicians were dressed in highly decorative uniforms at considerable expense. The 17th Light Dragoons trumpeters were dressed in a red jacket with white facings. The Light Cavalry Jacket of 1800 Like all the other uniforms, the jacket of the light dragoons underwent considerable changes in style. The later jacket of about 1800 was no longer fitted with wings, which seem to have been dispensed with quite soon after their introduction. The new style of jacket sloped away to the front and rear to form shallow points. The jacket was laced on the chest and around the front and bottom edges with a flat worsted lace, carried in an elaborate crow’s foot pattern on the rear seams with false pockets also outlined in lace, just above the hips on both sides. The front of the jacket had three rows of buttons some six inches apart at the collar and about four inches apart at the waist, and the chest lacing ran in equally spaced pairs, which were joined outside the buttons at each end by a small loop. The number of rows of lace on the chest of the jacket varied considerably. The amount of lace and the detail involved more often depended upon the size of the purse rather than any regimental orders. Contemporary illustrations and portraits show a significant variation between officers, although the more senior often carried additional embellishments. Those regiments selected to become hussars after 1806 continued with this style of dress, but soon adopted a more elaborate form that effectively constituted a new style of uniform and by about 1811 they had adopted five rows of buttons across the chest. The Light Dragoon Jacket of 1812 The new jacket was the same dark blue colour, but of a new and unpopular style, similar to that worn by the French lancers. Ithad short tails and two vertical pockets at the rear with a worsted or bullion fringe known asa ‘waterfall’ worn at the waist in the rear, At the front it had plastron shaped lapels, each secured by seven domed buttons. The facing colour was carried on the collar, pointed cuffs, turn-backs and piping to the rear seams and pockets. It was worn with a striped girdle of gold and crimson for the officers and the facing colour and blue for the men. Instead of shoulder cords it had epaulettes for all ranks, gold or silver for the officers and yellow or white worsted for the other ranks. Field officers wore the appropriate badges of rank in reverse metal on the epaulettes. The buttons were gilt or silver for the officers and of pewter for other ranks. The military tailors JN&B Pearse record that the new private soldiers’ jacket for the light dragoons was authorised in 1811. It required one yard of thread lace (for the pockets), six yards of thread cord (for the rear seams), four thread tassels (for the waterfall) and a quarter of a yard of cord fringe (for the top of the waterfall). There were seven hooks and eyes (to close the lapels), twenty-eight large buttons (for the lapels and pockets) and two small buttons (for the2 Britis NAPOLEONIC UNIFORMS . The n for the light dragoons introduced in 1812. A private soldier’ jacket on the lft from the 14th Light Dragoons (Mand ‘olour, epaulettes and buttons differed for each regiment of light dragoons (3) and the girdle of an officer (4) the jacket on the right isan officers jacket of the 13th Light Dragoons (5), epaulettes). These books also include drawings of the jackets of the other ranks and some trumpeters. The jackets of the trumpeters were the same as those of the private soldier. Itis also clear from surviving examples that the number of buttons on the lapels of the officers’ jackets varied The colour of the facings and the buttons and lace still acted to differentiate the regiments, but the lacing at the chest and cuffs had became more elaborate over time and regimental idiosyncrasies became so excessive that cost was a major factor. This was not restricted to the hussars; most of the cavalry regiments seem to have adopted their own regimental patterns and distinctions. Where these are known they are illustrated on the respective plates in Part Two. The regimental requirements upon an officer were considerable, not only was he expected to provide his own mounts but the cost of a hussar’s uniform of this period could be as much as £300, an enormous sum in those days. Pelisse When the shell jacket was discarded, many officers adopted the use of the pelisse. These were short outer jackets much favoured by the light cavalry and particularly the hussar regiments. The colour of the fur and the amount of lace varied, originally with three rows of buttons that was soon increased to five, while some regiments also adopted the use of barrel buttons to the pelisse. Officers wore either silver or gold lace and the later portraits generally show an additional shorter lace set between the rows. This does not seem to have used or allowed for the other ranks that wore white or yellow lace according to the regiment. The other ranks of the 10th Hussars are noted for wearing an additional frame of lace to the jacket and pelisse, while other regiments clearly adopted their own regimental style to the pattern of the lacing. The use of the pelisse is more generally associated with the hussar regiments but they were also worn by the light dragoons. My m y le of ight cavalry jacket in use by the hussars in 1815. An officers jacket of the 18th Hussars (1), a trooper’ jacket of the 7th Hussars 2) and a later officer's jacket of the 7th Hussars (3),Cavatry Coars AND JACKETS 23 i) rary portraits and descriptions. The white fur and additional frame of the 10th Hussars (1), a isse ofa trooper of the 18th Hussars (3). sses afer extant exay officer's pelise fora gold-laced regiment (2) and the p Sabretache Sabretache were first worn by regiments serving in India. There is an extant example of such an item circa 1799, of the 16th Light Dragoons, which had an unlaced sabretache of leopard skin. Charles Hamilton Smith in his print of 1800 shows only the 10th wearing the sabretache but there is some evidence that those regiments which converted to hussars in 1805 also adopted this form of dress and were quickly followed by the light dragoons. The shape generally used by the light cavalry had a curved point on the lower edge and they were usually wom carried low, on long slings attached to the waist belt. In most cases, but not all, the lace followed that of the regiment and the badges and each regiment soon adopted different trophies and badges worn on the front. The face was more usually embroidered with a single or reversed ‘GR’ cipher with a crown above and the crown was embroidered in full colours. The face of the sabretache was dark blue for the light dragoons and the broad lace around the edge followed the metal of the regiment. The heavy cavalry adopted their use by 1812, but this was not formally approved until 1814; the style was similar but with the lower edge set at an angle. Those regiments that were permitted special badges or battle honours wore these on the face of the sabretache in place of the Royal Cypher. {lower edge (1), aside and rearview (2) version of the hemcy cavalry with the Blue before pes ofeavalrysabretache. A light cavalry version with curve He (4), that for the R ded edge (3). A Hussar sabre nd the sabretache ofa trooper of hey cxcalry (6)CHAPTER THREE Cavalry Netherwear Breeches At the start of the war, white leather breeches of ‘well-pipe clayed doe or buckskins’ were worn by all ranks except for fatigues. They were fitted in a similar way to those of the infantry with adjustment to the waist by tapes at the rear and when worn under a jacket, supported by linen or canvas suspenders. Generally they were white but The Royal Horse Guards Blue and those light cavalry regiments with buff facings had buff breeches, but by 1812 breeches in the cavalry were usually only worn for dress. Pantaloons Cavalry wore close-fitting pantaloons in colours to match their jackets, fastening either below the calf or at the foot. Made of white kerseymere or stocking material, they were worn for dress occasions and walking out, but by 1800 coloured pantaloons began to be worn for informal and dress occasions. Those of the officers often had profuse decoration on the thigh, laced on the outer seams or around the seat in the French manner, and this was copied to a lesser extent by the other ranks. In September of 1815, breeches and pantaloons were discontinued for general use and were only worn for review order. Dress pantaloons of the household cavalry were light grey with a single gold stripe, the undress were a darker grey overalls with a scarlet stripe down the outer seam which buttoned at the lower leg with thirteen inch bottoms. The bottom ten inches of each leg was open and had several lace loops passing through holes to interlace down the front of the stripe to a button at the bottom. is Netherwear of the cavalry. The overalls (1), leather breeches (2) and the early straight spurs and the later swan necked version (3). Dress antaloons (4) and the later booted overalls (5). The Hessian boots worn by the light cavalry (6) and a plain version worn by the other ranks (7) the ankle boots worn under overalls and trousers (8) and the leather gloves worn by the cavalry (9)CAVALRY NETHERWEAR 25 Trousers and Overalls The trousers introduced before the start of the war were not usually tight fitting and the early patterns had a buttoned fly on the outer seam to aid their wear over the breeches or pantaloons; initially they were worn over the breeches and boots and a buttoned fly was provided down the outer seam to facilitate putting them on. As they were wom over the breeches or pantaloons, they became known as ‘overalls’. As trousers became worn in their own right the outer fly was discontinued; they were fitted with the same front flap fly as the breeches and they were supported in the same manner. Over time, it became practice to edge the outer fly with a stripe of facing material and when overalls became a standard item of dress in their own right, the decorative stripes were retained but the exact pattern seems to have varied from unit to unit, or even man to man. To prevent the overalls riding up they were strapped at the bottom under the instep of the boot and to save wear they were often faced with leather around the bottoms and down the inside of the thigh and seat. With the introduction of the new jackets of 1811/1812, the cavalry adopted trousers, often called pantaloons, for most roles. These were usually grey with two coloured stripes down the outer seams. The colour of the stripes was initially the facing of the regiment but in some cases red was worn and later it became common practice for officers in dress to wear stripes of the same colour as the buttons and lace. It is clear that there were considerable variations in the stripes of the trousers; the exact pattern seems to have varied from unit to unit, or even man to man. The trousers were usually worn over boots or half boots and were strapped under the instep. Those of the officers had some seven loops at the outer seam that laced through each other to a button at the bottom. Gaiters The cavalry wore gaiters for dismounted duties during the first part of the war, but once the role had changed to light or heavy cavalry they were no longer worn. When worn they usually followed a similar pattern to those of the infantry Footwear Each man was issued with two pairs of boots made on straight lasts and designed to be worn on the opposing foot each day, practice generally ignored. The quality of the boots and shoes was probably no better than that described for the infantry but as the cavalry were mounted the wear may not have been such a problem. With the early light dragoon uniform, other ranks wore black leather boots, which reached to the knee. With the change to the jacket of 1796, black leather ‘Hussar’ or ‘Hessian’ boots were worn. Long or short boots were worn with overalls and short boots or shoes with pantaloons. The cavalry first wore a long straight spur with spiked rowel strapped to the boot, but by 1805, the steel, curved or swan neck spur, which screwed directly into the heel of the boot, were in common use. Boots of cavalry after 1796 were made with the seam to the front and the rear of the tops cut away at the rear. In undress half boots that reached just above the ankle were often worn. The description of Mercer is most illuminating: ‘The first time I saw the Hussar boot, it was wom by a very handsome, well-made man, and I thought it grand. Captain Foy had just arrived from Vienna, and I'saw him at practice in the Warren, somewhere in 1798, for Iwas a Cadet... (The heels wom in 1804by exquisites were very high and very small, tapering too; just such as women used to wear some forty or fifty years before ... The Hussar boot is well known at the present day, rising in front, decorated with a silk tassel, and having a seam down each side. A sort of half-boot, rising in front lke this, but having the double seam behind, became fashionable about the beginning ofthe century, and I shall not ina hurry forget the sensation caused at Plymouth Dock by Lieutenant Anderson (afterwards Colonel! Morehead) making his appearance at the promenade in front of Government House one Sunday evening in a pair ofthese. ‘Oh, the puppy!” was heard on al ses. ‘fhe has not silk tassels to his boots! Only think! silk tassels on boots’. The greatest of all comforts and improvements, in my opinion, was when (after the general adoption of the trousers in imitation of overalls) we ceased casing our poor legs in leather, and substituted the short or ankle boot for the high Hussar... before dismissing the boot and its appendages I must say a word about the iron heels, which, like many other parts of our military costume, have been borrowed from the Germans. In 1802, the Hompesch Chasseurs a Cheval were quartered at Cork, and long shall I remember the impression produced whenever I ‘met a party ofthese (dismounted) marching through the streets, the heavy tread of so many iron heels on the pavement, accompanied by regular clang of their steel scabbards and jingling of their carbine slings, the solemn unvarying features of their bronzed and mustachioed faces. To me there was something exquisitely picturesque and imposing in all this. We did not begin to wear iron heels for a year or two after this, my first recollection of them being in 1804. Spurs The spurs ofthe cavalry varied during the course ofthe war. Many regiments, lke the household cavalry, had their own particular style. Officers generally wore a plated spur strapped over the boot, the other ranks one of steel, with long, straight necks and a spiked revolving rowel. Later the spurs were screwed directly into the heel; these had swan or curved crooked necks and a plain round rowel. The dress spurs for the household cavairy were gilt with swan necks and sharp rowels and were worn strapped over the jacked boots; in undress they were straight necked and set halfway up the heelCHAPTER FOUR Cavalry Accoutrements Introduction It should be noted that cavalry belts for the sword and bayonet and the cartridge pouch and carbine sling of light dragoons were two and a half inches wide, the waist belts one and a half inches. Those for heavy cavalry were three inches for the carbine belt with a two and a half inch waist belt for the bayonet and sword. Where measurements are given they must be considered purely arbitrary, as must be the examples of different fittings. There was a huge variety of manufacturers and in some cases, belts were made to regimental requirements. ‘Two-piece sword shoulder belt At the start of the war one style of the belt commonly used was fora sword fitted with scabbard rings, instead of a frog, for the sword like that of the infantry. The belt had a large metal ring from which was suspended two sword slings to carry the sword. The front strap of the belt was some eighteen inches long to the ring and the rear part some forty- four inches. The ring carried a hook to wear the sword up; a front sling, one inch wide and some eleven inches long; and a rear sling some thirty-six inches long. The method of attaching the sling to the scabbard varied, some patterns had the sling terminating in a buckle and strap in the manner of a harness billot, the strap passing through the rings of the scabbard and back through the buckle of the sling. Another style had the sling as a plain strap, with a separate, seven-inch, strap and buckle, attached through the sword ring and both the strap and sword sling passed through the buckle. A further version had slings of double length that were passed through the scabbard ring, then through a runner to terminate by a stud near the ring. Three-piece sword shoulder belt An alternative design also for wear with scabbard rings had three parts joined together by two rings, the front part some eighteen inches long, the centre ten inches and the third part, worn over the shoulder, some forty-four inches. The shorter sword sling was suspended from the first ring and the longer from the second. In some case the front ring also carried a hook to wear the sword up, in others there was an addition strap running along the centre part and secured by a stud that could be used for this purpose or to secure a bayonet frog, which in earlier belt was also suspended from the front ring. This three-part strap was secured by a breastplate or in other cases by a buckle, runner and tip. Three-piece Sword Waist-belt The standard issue of the period was made from three straps of white buff (buffalo) leather some one and a half inches wide, joined together by two rings. It had a brass snake buckle a further a buckle and runner on the right side to adjust the length. The first section was some ten inches long; the second, which connected the two rings, some nine inches; and the third some sixteen inches plus the adjustment. A sword sling, one inch wide, was suspended from each ring; the front sling was some eleven inches long and the rear about thirty-six inches. The slings were attached to the scabbard in the manner described above. Like the three-part shoulder belt, this could also be fitted to carry a bayonet frog or the sword worn up. It was also used by the other ranks to carry a plain sabretache suspended from an additional strap attached to each ring.‘CAVALRY ACCOUTREMENTS 7 8 (P Cavalry Belts and Straps ==] P Method of . attaching belt g and plate swivel gz ' i] : a a og I = o ee ) te ] : | 3 | | Re 8a} | 8b 9 10} * iy ti} JA | le LA\ |: \ ve q i w © *) Bayonet frog » a 2g. secured through z AU irtring or over TF Different sword. Different sword £, ‘second section of belt sling fastenings _sling attachments 33 Belts and straps ofthe cnoury. A hency cralry three-piece shoulder belt for sword and bayonet (1) a three-piece wnst bl forthe sword (2) anda tuo Piece shoulder elt forthe sword (3). A thre: piece shoulder bet for sword and bayonet (4) and a heaey cary wos belt forthe sword (5). A one-piece shoulder bl for the musket an cartridge pouch (6), the heavy cxcalry version was similar but thre inches wide. A shoulder bel with rg forthe sword (hand atv piece shoulder bet forthe cartridge pouch (8). A light ncalry tre piece oust belt for sword and sabnetache (9) and adres nist belt of the light cca wth slings for a sabretace (10).28 BriTIsH NAPOLEONIC UNIFORMS Four-piece Dress Waist-belt This was usually a dress belt for officers. It was richly decorated in silver or gold braid with elaborate buckles and belt bosses. This belt carried an extra ring and two or three straps were suspended from the rings of the belt to carry the cavalry sabretache. It was adopted by the infantry, particularly by mounted officers, light infantry and light company officers, and in this role it was often of black leather and worn with two rings. ‘One-piece Cavalry Musket and Pouch Belt ‘Worn over the left shoulder this belt allowed the carbine or musket to fall under the right arm and the length was sufficient to allow the weapon to be fired and reloaded without removing it from the belt. The width of this strap was two inches for the light cavalry and three inches for the heavy cavalry. A breastplate or in other cases a buckle, runner and tip secured the strap. The overall length could vary but generally they were some six feet long and carried aswivel to carry the carbine, for which there were several different designs. On the inside were stitched two straps to carry the thirty round cartridge pouch. General Accoutrements ‘The water bottle and haversack are considered in Part Four. Cartridge Pouches There were many styles of cartridge pouch and some from before the war were still in use. Those most commonly associated with the cavalry are the twelve round pouch and the thirty round pouch. The twelve round pouch was carried by officers and NCOs of the cavalry. The twelve cartridges were stored in a drilled wooden block which had two extra holes for a picker and brush to clean the lock of the pistol. The pouch was made of leather. The pouch belt terminated at each side with a one inch strap which passed through the keeper and buckles on the ouch. There were several patterns but in the main they were fundamentally similar, each carrying twelve rounds and the tools. This pouch should not be confused with the dress order version, which was a different and far more decorative item. The thirty round cavalry cartridge pouch had a rear pocket and roller buckles. Made from leather some one eighth of an inch thick, the sizes of the pouches varied with the manufacturer, as did the exact method of construction. The cartridges were carried in a curved wooden block drilled to take thirty cartridges. The tools for the pistol and carbine were carried in the front pocket. The pouch was fitted with the usual runners and buckles and was more normally attached to a combined carbine sling but examples exist for NCOs where they were worn on a plain shoulder strap. An asterisk stamp was used to hide the nail holes used to nail the leather to a block during assembly and it was common to find pouches where the leather had been joined to save on wastage. The stitching was usually applied at an angle to pass through the pieces of leather being stitched, but in other cases the leather was skived showing two raw edges. Dimensions in inches A sectioned view with the flap fully open (1), a top view showing a pocket on the front for the tools and flints and the wooden block drilled for twelve cartridges, the two extra holes are for the picker and brush for the lock (2) and an under-view showing the keepers and buckles and a belt strap attached (3). An end view with the flap closed and a pouch strap fitted; note how the flap of the pouch is curved to fit over the pocket (4), a rear view (5) and a side view with the flap and pocket open (6)Cavatry ACCOUTREMENTS 29 SE as } re es =a Thirty Round Cavalry Pouch. A front view with the flap open (1) and a rear view with the flap down (2). A perspective view showing the contents of the pouch (3) and an under view (4) showing the keepers, buckles with the flap secured by the leather button under the pouch, the pouch straps from the carbine belt were passed through the keepers atthe side and secured by the buckles. Views of the stitching and skiving (11), ‘the colour of the stitching was normally a darker colour or was darkened when the pouch woas cleaned. A lef side view, the flap was shaped to fit the curve of the pouch (6) and a right side view also showing the curve of the pouch (7). A top view of the wooden block drilled to take thirty rounds of carbine ammunition (8), and a front view ofthe wooden block (9)CHAPTER FIVE Cavalry Harness and Horse Furniture Introduction ‘The horses of the cavalry were equipped with a regimental pattern saddle and bridle; the colour of the harness for the arms varied with gilt or brass fittings and steel bits. The descriptions given are based upon extant horse furniture and contemporary illustrations of the period. In general terms the harness of the light cavalry used rounded stirrup irons while the harness was brown for the other ranks with officers tending to prefer black for dress and review. The Life Guards and Horse Guards Blue wore black harness and but the remainder of the heavy cavalry generally wore brown with square stirrups. The horses’ tails were generally long, cut to a length between the hoof and fetlock, but after 1799 with the exception of the Household Cavalry ~ docked tails were ordered for all cavalry. However, contemporary paintings and illustrations show officers in review order still preferred their horses un-docked. Bridles ‘The standard bridle of the day was a bridoon or double-bridle and while there were regimental or personal variations, this form of bridle was in general use by the British cavalry. The first part of the double bridle consisted of a simple, two-part, bridle head, buckled on the near side and fitted with a jointed and twisted snaffle bit on loose rings. Over this was worn the more elaborate second bridle which consisted of a head-piece, brow band, nose band, throat lash , curb bit , two cheek pieces with billots. The head-piece was two inches wide, thirty inches long, and split some eight inches at each end to form two straps, both three-quarters of an inch wide; one to take the buckle of the cheek piece and the other the buckle of the throat lash. The brow band was one and a quarter inches wide and twelve inches between the loops; the noseband was about twenty-two inches long and one and a half inches wide; the throat lash was twenty-one inches long and three-quarters of an inch wide with a buckle at each end. The two cheek pieces were eight inches long from buckle to buckle, with seven-inch long billots, three and a half inches being turned up to the buckle after passing through the eye of the bit. This formed the basic composition of the bridle and while there were regimental variations in the colours of the headbands, this is very much the form of the heavy cavalry. ‘The light cavalry adopted a more elaborate form, much in the manner of the French light cavalry, the bridle had cross face pieces passing from the headband to the noseband and the junctions of the bridle were decorated with leather or gilt rosettes. To this was added a further strap suspended from the headband that acted to carry a throat ornament, and the curb bit had a curved bar joining the bottom of the long swan-necked cheeks. The later Hussar regiments also adopted black bridles, often heavily decorated with cowrie shells or metal embellishments. Reins Reins were three-quarters of an inch wide; the curb reins were two-piece, some eight feet long with six-inch billots. The snaffle reins could be either one or two piece and were usually shorter being only some seven or so feet long, again with six-inch billots. Generally, they were attached to the rings of the bit by billots, but examples are knownCavaLRy HARNESS AND Horse FURNITURE 31 ance cans f Cavalry harness. The light cavalry decorated bridle with throat pice (LD, the heacy cavalry bridle (2), and the leather collar, head, stall (3). The ubiquitous cavalry curb bit with chain (4) and two methods of attaching the reins (5). The British cavalry method of holding the reins (6), the off curb ‘it (a), the near curb bt () the off snaffle bit (cand the near snafle bt (4). The two stirrup irons, the heavy cavalry (7) and light cavalry (8). where they have been stitched to the rings of the bit. The standard method of holding the reins varied from country to country. The British light cavalry of the period when riding single handed, held the off curb rein between the first and second fingers of the left hand; the near curb rein was taken into the bottom of the hand, and the spare rein passed out of the top of the hand under the thumb. The snaffle bit was controlled with the off side rein passing between the second and third finger; the near side rein passing between the third and fourth finger. When riding two-handed the reins were held similarly, but with the snaffle reins in the left hand and the curb reins in the right. Head-collar Under the bridles each of the horses wore a leather head-collar or ‘Collar, Head, Stall’. It was made up of a throat Jash and a noseband, both linked together at a ring from which a leather leading rein led to the saddle or when not required was usually passed around the horses neck and the loose end whipped up around itself. The head collar ‘was worn with the full harness but officers did not usually wear it in full dress or reviews but often adopted a similar collar lined or edged with lace. In stables where it was mainly used on its own, or for watering parades and securing the horse in bivouac or in stalls a web version was often used. Riding Saddle Prior to 1793 the saddles used by the British cavalry depended upon the colonel of the regiment. The patterns varied considerably, the regulations noted ‘some Regiments have adopted the saddle of the light dragoons; other Regiments have saddles with burrs before, and no cantle behind; and there are still some, which have demi-peaks’. ‘The Heavy Cavalry Saddle This saddle was based upon that used by the Prussian Army and was formally introduced into service as a fixed pattern in 1796. Made of brown leather, it was secured by a four-inch wide girth to three seven-inch long straps at each end. The regulations state the straps for this saddle were to be black, and while this is true of the Household Cavalry, evidence suggests the rest of the heavy cavalry adopted brown except for review order where some portraits suggest black was used. The cantle was edged with brass while the wooden sideboard are strengthened with metal where the crupper and chest straps attached to the saddle. There is an extant example of this type of saddle at the Regimental ‘Museum of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. The Light Cavalry Saddle The light cavalry used a regimental pattern ‘Hungarian’ saddle first introduced in 1805 and introduced in 1812 to all light cavalry regiments, although it had been used by the Royal Horse Artillery from their start in 1793. Made from beech, the stripped saddletree weighed some nine pounds eight ounces. It had a high front and rear arch attached by metal brackets to the two sideboards. A rawhide seat, to keep the man well above the horse’s spine, was stretched32 Britis NAPOLEONIC UNIFORMS Saddles of the heavy and light cavalry. The heavy cavalry saddle introduced in 1796 (1), with side view (2). The ‘Hungarian’ or Hussar saddle introduced in 1805 (4), a side view (3) and the detachable pilch seat (5). and nailed between the two arches and the sides of the seat and the leather side flaps were stitched to the sideboards by leather thongs. The arches and sideboards were fitted with metal staples to take the various straps and accoutrements, and two eight-inch straps for the four-inch girth were stitched to each sideboard. The saddle was usually placed on top of a folded blanket, some 6.5 feet wide and 8.75 feet long and folded into three equal parts in length and breadth to make a minimum of 9 folds, although this was varied to suit the horse and often some twelve to sixteen folds were needed. The saddle was held in position on the horse’s back by the girth, a chest strap at the front and the crupper at the rear. There is an extant example of a Hungarian or Hussar saddle of this period at the Royal Armouries at Leeds. Stirrup Irons ‘The British military rider of this period usually rode on long stirrups with the knees slightly bent. The stirrup leathers ‘were attached to the saddle and back down to the stirrup where they were buckled. The heavy cavalry wore the buckle at the saddle and a runner at the square stirrup irons, while the light cavalry wore them buckled at the stirrup with the ends rolled up ~ allegedly to prevent the leather being cut by a sword with curved stirrup irons. The stirrup leathers were adjusted so the lower edge of the bar was two fingers above the upper edge of the heel of the boot. Crupper ‘To prevent is ball lloaiay ocwrarel each Fares proves rue ihis cx elated of alolled lather doseerete ene and two straps with billots at the other. The dock passed under the tail of the horse and the two ends fastened to staples on the rear of the saddle. The length of the dock was some fourteen inches and the straps to the buckle some twelve inches long; the billot strap ends were some further twenty-two inches. Breast Plate or Martingale The breastplate prevented the saddle slipping backwards. It consisted of three leather straps, joined in the form of a “Y’ with a billot at each end. The two arms passed around the horse’s neck and were strapped to metal staples on the saddle. The third strap passed under the chest, between the front legs of the horse, and buckled around the girth. The centre of the “Y’ was at the chest of the horse and usually carried an ornamental boss. The length of each strap to the saddle was some thirty-three inches and to the girth, some thirty inches. Hussars are shown wearing elaborate forms of heavily decorated breastplate. Surcingle A surcingle was two and a quarter inches wide and sixty-eight inches long with a strap twenty inches long and ‘one inch wide. It went over the saddle, shabraque and sheepskin to keep them in place, and many were fitted with additional straps that served to further retain the sheepskin by passing to the front and rear of the saddle. They buckled on the near side and passed through loops on the girth. Both officers and troopers in dress wore leather surcingles and web for undress.(CAVALRY HARNESS AND Horse FURNITURE 33 08D ‘The harness parts. The light cacaly stirrup irons (1), the heavy coairy stirrup irons (2). The component parts ofthe main bridle, the head band (3), brow bund (4) and the nose band (5); the too check pieces (6) with their even inc billots, the snafe bit (7), the throat lash (8) and two baggage o cloak straps (2). The chest strap (10) serve to stop the saddle moving backwards and was integral wth the martingale. The crupper (11) served fo stp the saddle sowing forward, the four inch wide girth (12), the ninety-six inch snafle reins (13), th curb bit and bridle head (14), the stirrup leather (15) and the rinety inch cur reins (16). The circular vase (17) was carried strapped to the rear ofthe saddle. The web surcingle (18) and the lnthersurcingle (19). Valise ‘This was a round leather or cloth case carried behind the saddle and was usually in the order of some twenty-seven inches long and seven inches in diameter. It had begun to come into use in 1750 but not all units used them; the 6th Dragoons only adopted them after 1815. The colour varied with the arm of service, for the hussars and light dragoons it was blue, for the heavy cavalry scarlet or red with regimental lace around each end face, which also carried a regimental identification. It was closed up by three straps and attached by straps passing through slots in the cantle and contained the spare kit and small gear of the rider. It was common practice to carry a waterdeck folded and wrapped around the valise when on active service. The heavy cavalry began to adopt square valises after 1812. In marching order and before the introduction of the valise, the cloak was rolled with the red inside, some twenty-two inches long and strapped to the rear of the saddle. When the valise came into use, the cloak was rolled with the red side out, some forty inches long and carried strapped across the front of the saddle.ery Britis NaPotzonic UNIFORMS Horse Furniture ‘The most practical of the horse furniture were the bearskin flounces, wom over the front of the saddle to cover the pistols and protect them from damp and moisture. In 1805 they began to go out of fashion when the newly formed hussar regiments adopted the use of a sheepskin to cover the saddle and pistols. The shabraque served little useful purpose but in the opinion of the men of the period, they greatly improved the appearance of the horseman and acted to keep the animal warm about the loins and prevent items of equipment from rubbing on the skin. The main purpose was to display regimental devices but in 1815 the shabraque was lined with leather or rawhide and weighed some seven pounds, adding even more weight to the load on the horse. The ornaments varied but usually consisted of regimental lace and other such crests, badges and titles to which the regiment had an entitlement. The shape came to represent the arm of cavalry; those of the heavy cavalry were nearly square with round or pointed holster covers, those of light cavalry were rounded at the front and pointed at the rear. In 1812, all cavalry both light and heavy were authorised to wear sheepskins or lambskins, black for the officers and white for the troopers. Officers in undress often used a plain blue hussar version with a long pointed and tasselled tail, but a laced version was used for dress occasions. With the uniform changes of 1812 the hussars retained the pointed rear shabraque but the light dragoons adopted a dark blue shabraque with a rounded front and rear. It was laced in the regimental metal colour, showing a blue edge with the rubbing plates of brown leather and pierced to allow the cantle of the rear arch to protrude through the shabraque. Those of officers were usually of leather, lined with moleskin with an outer cloth, while those of the other ranks were usually cloth lined with rawhide. The shabraque was worn over the saddle and pierced to allow the cantle of any rear arch to protrude through. It was secured in place by the leather surcingle passing through loops in the girth and strapped over the shabraque while a narrow leather shabraque strap passed through loops on the inside of the surcingle, round the outside and under the seat of the saddle to hold the shabraque in place. On campaign, if shabraques were worn, it was often practice to fold or tie the ends up to protect them. Early shabraques were in the facing colour of the regiment and edged with the appropriate coloured lace or braid. The front and rear carried a crown over the Royal Cypher and such regimental identification and badges as had been approved. It has not been possible to illustrate the shabraques for every regiment as there is, insufficient evidence to undertake such a study. The illustrations given are taken from contemporary sources and surviving examples. Sheepskin ‘A sheepskin or lambskin was adopted for wear over the shabraque by hussars in 1805, but the officers often wore leopard or cheetah skins for review and full dress, particularly the 7th and 10th Hussars. In 1812, the sheepskins worn by the hussar regiments were authorised for all cavalry units. They were worn draped over the pommel and the rear of the seat and held in place by the surcingle and shabraque straps. The sheepskin was usually edged with red or a cloth of the facing colour and was black for officers and white for the other tanks. The sheepskin was also pierced by a hole when required to fit over the cantle of the Hungarian saddle. Mounted Officers of Infantry ‘The horse furniture was regulated in April 1805 when it was to consist of a pair of pistols, a regimental bridle with noseband, a black or white bidroon, a saddle, regimental stirrup irons, crupper, half cover with holsters and black bear skin flounces and a regimental saddle cloth of facing colour (only to be worn when the colours were carried). The white bidroon was worn at reviews or field days in review order; on other occasions the bridle, holsters and crupper were to be worn, The bridle was to have a noseband, which was not to be buckled over the headstall of the bridoon, the front was to be covered with a ribbon of facing colour and to have rosettes at each end of the same size as the hair rosettes. The end of the ribbon was not to be seen. The furniture with black bridoon was to be worn on duty or grand parades.CAVALRY HARNESS AND HORSE FURNITURE Shabraques and harness of the Heavy Cavalry ‘Trooper 3rd Dragoons| single circa 1800 Reversed een Royal Reversed Cypher Royal Cypher 4th Dragoons circa 1808 ‘Trooper Royal Horse Guards Blue circa 1810 otter a i circa 1814 ‘Trooper Ist Dragoon Guards 2nd Dragoons circa 1813, before 181136 Britis NaPoeonic UNIFORMS ‘Trooper 15th Hussars circa 1812 Officer 10th Light Dragoons crea 1804 Trooper 10th Hussars circa 1812, Officer 7th Hussars circa 1812 Officer 18th Hussars circa 1815, F ofticer 15th Hussars circa 1814 % Officer 14th Light Dragoons after 1812 ¢ Officer 24th Light Dragoons after 1812 Basic light cavalry harness cirea 1805 Single and double Royal Cypher Shabraques and harness of the Light Cavalry Sergeant 10th Light Dragoons ciren 1793, Hussar and English crown Officer 7th Light Dragoons & circa 1808 Officer 10th Hussars circa 1815, Trooper 7th Hussars circa 1810 Trooper 18th Hussars cirea 1812 Trooper 24th Light Dragoons after 1812 od 16th Light Dragoons after 1812 Trooper 12th Light Dragoons after 1812CHAPTER SIX All Vl Cavalry Swords and Carbines ‘The Heavy Cavalry Sword of 1788 This sword had a iron half-basket hilt with the hilt of fish skin bound with brass wire. The straight blade terminated in a hatchet point and was forty-five inches long and one and five-twelfths inches wide at the shoulder. The overall length was some forty-six inches and the sword had a leather scabbard with metal fittings. It was worn on a shoulder belt and was secured to the frog by a frog stud. “Sealein inches = es se-25- ease ‘The Heavy Cavalry Sword of 1796 This sword was introduced for both heavy cavalry and household cavalry and had a disc hilt with languets either side of the blade and passing over the scabbard. The straight blade terminated in an hatchet point and was thirty-five inches long, The overall length was some forty inches and the sword was carried in a steel scabbard with two loose rings. It weighed two pounds five ounces and the scabbard weighed a similar amount. The hilt was pierced about and the top surface carried a leather protector. Heavy Cavalry Sword of 1796. A view of the straight sword and scabbard (1), the metal scabbard was worn on a waist belt and had two loose rings (2) and the sword and hilt is shown at (3). The top view ofthe guard showing a leather insert (4) and a under view (5)38 Britis NAPOLEONIC UNIFORMS - 3 O07 ae 06 2 Heavy Cavalry Sabre of 1796. A view showing the sword with the hatchet point (1) and the steel scabbard with two loose rings (2). A view of the hilt representing the first examples of the Honysuckle hilt in British swords (3) ‘The Heavy Cavalry Officers Sabre of 1796 The heavy cavalry sabre was introduced for officers of Dragoons in 1796. The blade measured some thirty-four inches overall, the overall length was some forty-four inches. The hilt was made of black leather or fish skin bound with wire. The pierced or voided guard was an early example of the later honeysuckle pattern. The steel scabbard had two loose rings. Officer Swords Officers purchased their own weapons and there were a multiplicity of styles and embellishments for both the heavy and light cavalry even though some regiments had their own dress swords. Generally they used a more elaborate version of the sword, the hilt was slightly lighter than the regulation, of better quality and the curved or straight blade was often blued and had gold-filled engraving. Officers chose to wear swords of a variety of styles and were apparently permitted to do so on dress occasions. The light cavalry and general officers carried a sword with a very curved blade and Mameluke-styled ivory hilt. While straight swords exist showing that the infantry also adopted this practice, it seems it was somewhat less common. ‘Scale in inches ee 0123 6 2 Pry % 1 One of the versions ofthe 1796 Light Cavalry Sword carried by offices (1). The cabbard could be either steel or lather (2) and gold metalled regiments often wore swords with hits and seabbard fittings to match. The mameluke sabre favoured by feshionable ofcers ofthe light cnvalry and the general staf (3). There were a wide variety of scabbards worn with the sword (4) but generally they were restricted to dress rather than for use on campaign.Cavatay SworDs AND CARBINES 39 The Light Cavalry Sword of 1796 The weapon used by the light cavalry was the standard 1796 Light Cavalry Pattern. It had a curved blade with a deep fuller towards the back edge and terminated in almost a hatchet point. The total length of the sword was thirty-seven and a half inches and the blade around the curve was thirty-two and a half inches from shoulder to point. The blade was one and five-eighth inches wide at the shoulder, tapering to one three-eighth inches at eighteen inches from the point, widening again to one and a half inches some three inches from it. The sword was carried in a heavy steel scabbard with two loose rings, one near the mouthpiece and the other some nine inches down the scabbard. The weight of the sword was some two pounds nine ounces and the scabbard nearly the same. It had a stirrup hilt with semicircular languet on the cross guard and ears on the back piece, protruding round and riveted to the grip which was made of wood covered with leather. The sword knot was of a three-quarter inch wide strip of white buff leather doubled and terminating in a leather tassel to form a loop eighteen inches long. It was loop-knotted about the pommel end of the knuckle bow. The loop was passed around the wrist to retain the sword if it was knocked from the grasp. Scale in inches —— 0123 Light Cavalry Swords. A view showing the 1796 sword in the scabbards with the buff sword knot of an other rank (1) and a view of the sword showing the point (2) and the scabbard with two loose rings for wear with a waist belt (3). The 1788 model woth the thirty-six inch blade (4). The front view of the sword and scabbard (5) and a rear view (6) and a method of hilt assembly (7).40 Britis NAPOLEONIC UNIFORMS 1 savin ia ——————————————— lI 0123 6 12 18, 24 0 36 | i ineiatitisitteineee = + Paget Carbine of 1808. A left side view showing the sling bar (1) and a right side view showing the lock (2). A view of the bolted lock although there were several diferent versions, Paget Cavalry Carbine Introduced around 1808 this became the standard arm for the light cavalry. Readily recognisable by the short barrel and swivel ramrod attached to the carbine, it also had a bolted lock. There were several different versions all with different locks, some larger than others. The was a backsight block on the rear of the barrel tang. The overall length ‘was thirty-one and three eighth inches with a barrel length of sixteen inches; the calibre was 0.66 inches. The sling bar ‘was secured by two screws and there was no side plate. The Heavy Dragoon Carbine of 1796 This carbine carried the standard government issue lock circa 1798. The overalll length of the musket was forty-one and a quarter inches, with a barrel length of twenty-two inches. The calibre of the bore was 0.76 of an inch. Versions with and without the sling bar are known. Scale in inches —_——— eV VV me ORIERES: 6 2 18 24 30 36 ‘Heavy Dragoon Carbine Pattern of 1796. A right side view showing the lock (1). A left side view showing the sling bar and the side plate very similar to that of the Baker rifle The view of the government lock fitted after 1798 (3).Cavatry SworDs AND CARBINES a Scale in inches Eliott Carbine of 1800. A top view of the carbine (1) a right side veiw showing the lock and the unusual method of retaining the rammer (2) and 4 left view showing the side plate and sling bar (3) The Eliott Carbine circa 1800 The Eliott carbine was originally designed for the 15th Light Dragoons by General Eliott, but by 1800 it had evolved into a shorter and more commonly used weapon. The overall length of the carbine was forty-three and one half inches, with a barrel length of twenty-eight inches. The calibre of the bore was 0.66 of an inch. It was usually carried on a combined musket and cartridge pouch belt on a sling bar, the design of which varied considerably. The forms of the butt plate and tang also varied. The side plate closely resembles that of the 1796 Dragoon Carbine. The lock of this ‘example has been modified and updated.PART TWO The Cavalry RegimentsCavalry Introduction This part of the book considers the different uniforms worn by the cavalry during the period of the Napoleonic Wars. It includes the Ist and 2nd Life Guards which formed the household cavalry; the regiment of the Royal Horse Guards Blue was not included under this title until after the war, but a Royal Decree in 1814 included them for court duties. There were thirteen regiments of heavy cavalry, comprised of the dragoon guards and dragoons. The light cavalry, which in 1796 numbered twenty-six regiments, consisted of light dragoons and later, hussars. When regiments were disbanded during the war and other existing regiments were renumbered to take their place these have been treated separately and are referred to as the first or second regiment with that number. This reference should not be taken to suggest that the regiment did not exist at any earlier or later date, it has only been used in reference to the Napoleonic War. Each arm of the cavalry was recognisable by the style of its uniform, the household cavalry wore a style of uniform particular to two regiments, the dragoon guards and dragoons wore a different uniform, but the difference between these was less obvious. The light dragoons were readily identifiable as were the later hussar regiments, while during the Napoleonic period each cavalry arm adopted different styles of shabraque which served to identify the regiments, and this was further enhanced when the sabretache came into general use. The main regimental identification of the uniform was by the colour of the facings, the collar, cuffs and lapels (if wor as part of the uniform). Each regiment was allocated a facing colour by the regulations, but as will be seen this often changed. Also stipulated was the colour of the buttons and lace; each regiment was allocated a colour, either gold or silver for the officers, and the lace of the troopers usually aped that of the officers, being yellow or white. The ‘most senior of the NCOs, the sergeant major, often wore buttons and lace of a similar pattern to those of the officers. ‘A particular design or the number of the buttons and other practices also distinguished each regiment, as did the shabraque and sabretache. The combination of the style of the uniform, the facings and the pattern and spacing of the lace uniquely identified each regiment. When at close quarters, the pattern or number on the buttons, hat plate or other regimental practices and horse furniture made identification a simpler task.CHAPTER SEVEN Regiments of Heavy Cavalry The sources used are shown below, but it should be noted that: ‘+The 1800 drawings of Charles Hamilton Smith cover all of the heavy cavalry regiments except the Sth Dragoons. ‘The 1803 charts of de Bosset considers all of the heavy cavalry regiments except the 5th Dragoons. “The 1796 and 1812 Regulations. *The 1812 charts of Charles Hamilton Smith cover the heavy cavalry regiments except the Sth Dragoons. Ist Regiment of Life Guards This regiment served in Europe throughout the Napoleonic War. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: +The facings for this regiment were royal blue, the officers’ lace and buttons were gold and the breeches were white. The lace of the other ranks was gilt but of a lesser quality. The collar was blue for this regiment. +The square loops on the blue lapels of the dress coat were in pairs. +The new jacket of 1812 was scarlet, faced blue with gilt lace without a central train. *The girdle for the officers was gold with three crimson stripes, the other ranks’ girdle was yellow webbing with two blue stripes, changed to three scarlet stripes by 1814. +The sheepskin of this regiment was edged red. *Charts of de Bosset and Charles Hamilton Smith confirm these details. *There is an extant private soldier’s frock collet circa 1815 that confirms these details. PCRS 2nd Regiment of Life Guards This regiment served in Europe throughout the Napoleonic War. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: +The facings for this regiment were royal blue, the officers’ lace and buttons were gold and the breeches were white. The collar of this regiment was scarlet with a blue patch at the front. The lace of the other ranks was gilt but of a lesser quality. *The pointed loops on the blue lapels of the dress coat were in pairs. *The new jacket of 1812 was scarlet, faced blue with gilt lace without a central train. The girdle for the officers was gold with three crimson stripes, the other ranks’ girdle was yellow webbing with two blue stripes, changed to three scarlet stripes by 1814. *The sheepskin of this regiment was edged blue. *Charts of de Bosset and Charles Hamilton Smith confirm these details. 00a ———46 Brivis NAPOLEONIC UNIFORMS Officer cirea 1813-1815 AL i Officer undress circa 1800 Officer dress circa 1796-1814 Trooper Officer Frock collet Frock collet circa 1814 circa 1814 Officer I | Dress sabretache circa 1814 Trooper a Fe © siti Brass breast plate Silver breast plate circa 1805 BS Y a Officer Undress sabretache Trooper circa 1813 Officer Sabretache badge Helmet circa 1813. circa 1814 . Officer 2 Undressbicom circa 1793-1814 r | | g way LJ Officer dress circa 1793-1796 one Officer Gilt button Dress bicom, cirea 1810 circa 1793-1814 Trooper circa 1813-1815 (= spss circa 1812 = sashes circa 1814 Trooper undress crea 1805 aREGIMENTS OF Heavy CAVALRY Officer circa 1813-1815 circa 1796-1814 2nd Regiment of Life Guards. A cirea 1793-1796 A i Silver and gilt breast plate circa 1810 Trooper ciren 1813-1815, Trooper dress circa 1796-1813 5 Officer re = rock collet rock colle rooper sashes "aren 81a ae cir 1813 and 1815 | Bengt | S | Bee | | | | = B Officer ‘Trooper F trooper Dress sabretache ae ] \ Helmet circa 1814 circa 181 ’ £3 areas a & P4 & & Officer undress circa 1300 i fficer S A, cee Officer Trooper undress © officer B sabretache Undress bicorn circa 1805 Dress bicom circa 1813 circa 793-1814 BoA circa 793-1814 vii ge — ag Ps if 2s { H Officer ae | Gilt button. | g circa 1810 ! { y Z - ¥ Officer dress OMe dia Officer48 Britis NaPoLeonic UNIFORMS Royal Regiment of Horse Guards (Blue) This regiment served in Europe throughout the Napoleonic War. While not officially part of the Household Cavalry until 1820, it was usually brigaded with the Life Guards. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: The coats of this regiment were dark blue, the facings were scarlet, the officers’ lace and buttons were gold, and the breeches and accoutrements were buff. ‘Two hundred and thirty cuirasses were issued in 1794 and used in the Low Countries for a short period only. Black cuirasses were also worn for a review in 1814, but not adopted until after the war. ‘In October 1804, royal ascent restored the wearing of gold lace, bridles and the other marks of royal distinction withdrawn for campaign service in 1793. ‘The new jacket of 1812, not on general issue until 1814, was dark blue faced scarlet with gilt lace with a gold or gilt central train ‘The girdle for the officers was gold with three crimson stripes; the other ranks’ girdle was yellow webbing with two scarlet stripes, later three. ‘The Prince Regent formally approved the regiment as able to perform court duties in August 1814. ‘*Charts of de Bosset and Charles Hamilton Smith confirm these details. There is an extant officer’s coat circa 1800 and two extant officers’ undress jackets or ‘frock collet’, both circa 1815; there was also an officer’s laced jacket circa 1815 of the new pattern. ema Ist (or the King’s) Regiment of Dragoon Guards This regiment served in Europe throughout the Napoleonic War. ‘The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: ‘The facings for this regiment were royal blue, the officers’ lace and buttons were gold, and the breeches were white. ‘The lace of the other ranks was yellow. ‘The loops of the early coat and jacket were in pairs. «The military tailors notes of JN&B Pearse record that the new heavy cavalry jacket of 1796 for the dragoon guards was red with cuffs, collar, lapels, shoulder straps and turn-backs of facing colour. The wing was red with scales placed between two layers of cloth. The body and sleeves were lined white. There were two outside pockets in the plat, ten double headed (square) loops by twos with two small on the collar and eight large on the lapels with two further loops under the lapels. Two loops on each sleeve, which opened at the wrist with two buttons. The shoulder straps and wings were laced around with white cloth. Tumn-backs were laced and the dubby was round with a small button. The lapels were made to button over but began to be discarded in 1797. The waistcoat was of red cloth with collar, cuffs and shoulder straps of facing colour. The body was lined but the sleeves were not. There were two pockets at the ‘waist, twist buttonholes and no lace. The jacket applied to all of the dragoon guards and those of the dragoons was of the same pattern but without lapels. Lapels discarded by officers in 1799, but retained by other ranks. The military tailors notes of JN&B Pearse record that the new heavy cavalry jacket of 1811 for a private soldier of the dragoon guards required five and a half yards of broad lace, two breast buttons (for the shoulder straps), one large brass hook (for the girdle) and twenty brass hooks and eyes (to close the front). The trumpeters required the same quantity of lace as the private soldiers. The jacket was similar for all regiments. ‘The lace of the officers was gold, broken bias lace with a dark blue train or ladder at the centre and the turn-back decorations were gilt stars. ‘The girdle issued with the new jacket of 1811-12 was yellow with two horizontal blue stripes. * Charts of de Bosset and Charles Hamilton Smith confirm these details but the latter shows a blue or black train for the lace and the girdle.en afl anant Rant i" (ehBritis NAPOLEONIC UNIFORMS Ist (or the King's) Regiment of Dragoon Guards. —ge6 a r i Officer _ a2= cirea 1805 Officer circa 1810 Officer “Al Silver breast plate a ga = ii } crate ® Officer Gilt button circa 1810 Officer shako i circa 1810 Officer orticerdress “4 Trooper bicom 1793-1796 circa 1798-1800 cirea 1794-1810 circa 1812 _gae 1 AY Si Trooper circa 1798 Trooper 1793-1796RecimENts oF Heavy Cavatry 51 2nd (or the Queen’s Bays) Regiment of Dragoon Guards This regiment served in Europe throughout the Napoleonic War. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: “The facings for this regiment were black, the officers’ lace and buttons were silver, and the breeches were white; the lace of the other ranks was white. The loops of the early coat and jacket were in threes according to the 1796 Regulations. However, de Bosset shows single spacing. ‘New short jacket introduced in 1796. *Lapels were discarded in 1797. ‘When the new jacket of 1812 was authorised the facings and lace remained unchanged. *The lace of the officers was silver double bias lace with a black train or ladder at the centre. “The girdle issued with the new jacket of 1811-12 was white with two horizontal black stripes. *Charts of de Bosset and Charles Hamilton Smith confirm the rest of these details but the latter shows a blue or black train for the lace and the girdle. ————— rsneae 3rd (or the Prince of Wales's) Regiment of Dragoon Guards Apart from four Troops that saw service in South America in 1806, the regiment served in Europe throughout the Napoleonic War. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: *The facings for this regiment were white, the officers’ lace and buttons were gold, and the breeches were white; the lace of the other ranks was yellow. *The loops of the early coat and jacket were in pairs. Short jacket introduced in 1796 with a new pattern of loop. *The trumpeter in 1797 wore a white coat with scarlet collar, cuffs turn-backs and lapels. The seams and loops were of broad lace; the jacket was laced about with the lapels, turn-backs, cuffs and lower seams in narrow lace. The lower back seams were feathered in scarlet cloth. The jacket had plain sleeves with no shoulder straps or wings but had one shoulder knot with two tags. The coat loops were figured with silk cord and tassels to each loop. The jacket had thirty raised yellow buttons. ‘Lapels were still in use in 1799. ‘When the new jacket of 1812 was authorised the facings and lace remained unchanged. ‘The lace of the officers was gold double bias lace with a dark blue train or ladder at the centre. ‘The girdle issued with the new jacket of 1811-12 was yellow with two horizontal white stripes, but this was quickly changed to scarlet, as may have been the colour of the central stripe in the lace. ‘The facings changed to blue in 1815; the lace remained the same, the stripes in the girdle would have followed suit. ‘Drawings of Pearse and the charts of de Bosset and Charles Hamilton Smith confirm these details but the latter shows a blue or black train for the lace and the girdle OCR 4th (or the Royal Irish) Regiment of Dragoon Guards This regiment served in Europe throughout the Napoleonic War. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: The facings for this regiment were blue, the officers’ lace and buttons were silver, and the breeches were white; the lace of the other ranks was white. “The loops of the early coat and jacket were in pairs. +New short jacket introduced in 1796, *The trumpeter jacket of 1797 was of white cloth with a scarlet collar, cuffs, wings, turn-backs and straps. It had two pockets in the plait and had broad lace on the seams, breast and seven downward pointing darts. Trumpet majors wore two rows of silver lace on the collar and one row of silver fringe. *There are extant officers’ coats circa 1799 and 1807 that confirms these details. ‘When the new jacket of 1812 was authorised the facings and lace remained unchanged. *The lace of the officers was silver double bias lace with a dark blue train or ladder at the centre. *The girdle issued with the new jacket of 1811-12 was white with two horizontal blue stripes.REGIMENTS OF Heavy CAVALRY 53, 3rd (or the Prince of Wales's) Regiment of Dragoon Guards. | 1 4 Officer aS > circa 1814 : 3 ‘Trooper Ole circa 1812 == Bess Heimer J ones ons Pires 813) Dress bicorn . circa 1793-1794 > circa 1810 Officer circa 1810 ww >) é > Trooper bicom cirea 1794-1810 Officer r Gilt and silver breast plate = circa 1793 Officer Officer dress Trooper 1793-1796 circa 1798-1800 1793-1796Britis NAPOLEONIC UNIFORMS Officer circa 1813, ath Officer circa 1810 Officer 1793-1796 4th (or the Royal Irish) Regiment of Dragoon Guards. Officer Dress sash. circa 1812 Helmet cirea 1813, a circa 1813, Officer Shako Officer cirea 1810 Dress bicorn circa 1794-1812 FRenaada Officer circa 1805 0 Trooper, Officer dress Oe Trooper circa 1798-1800 Gilt and siver breastplate Freee Trooper bicorn circa 1793-1794 | Trooper Trooper ica 1797REGIMENTS OF HEAVY CAVALRY 55 *The 1812 jacket did not reach this unit until after 1813. *Charts of de Bosset and Charles Hamilton Smith confirm these details but the latter shows a blue or black train for the lace and the girdle. ——— > meas 5th Regiment of Dragoon Guards The regiment was retitled in 1804 as the: Sth (or Princess Charlotte of Wales’s) Regiment of Dragoon Guards This regiment served in Europe throughout the Napoleonic War. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: ‘*The facings for this regiment were deep green, the officers’ lace and buttons were gold, and the breeches were white; the lace of the other ranks was yellow. ‘The loops of the early coat and jacket were in pairs, ‘*New short jacket introduced in 1796. ‘There are extant officers’ coats circa 1799 and 1807 that confirm these details. “The trumpeter’s jacket of 1800 was of green cloth with scarlet collar, cuffs, wings, shoulder straps and turn-backs, feathered with white cloth. The jacket was laced with ten chevron loops placed in pairs. The loops, straps, dubby and along the breast was laced with narrow lace. Broad lace everywhere else. ‘*When the new jacket of 1812 was authorised the facings and lace remained unchanged. ‘The girdle issued with the new jacket of 1811-12 was yellow with two horizontal green stripes. ‘The lace of the officers was gold double bias lace with a dark blue or green train or ladder at the centre. ‘The 1812 jacket did not reach this unit until after 1813. ‘*Drawings of Pearse and the charts of de Bosset and Charles Hamilton Smith confirm these details but the latter shows a blue or black train for the lace and the girdle. —— meas 6th Regiment of Dragoon Guards (Carabiners) Apart from two squadrons that saw service in South America in 1806 to 1807, the regiment served in Europe throughout the Napoleonic War. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: The facings for this regiment were white, the officers’ lace and buttons were silver, and the breeches were white; the lace of the other ranks was white. “The loops of the early coat and jacket were in pairs. ‘New short jacket introduced in 1796, the officers wore a black stripe in the lace by 1805. “There are extant officers’ coats circa 1799 and 1807 that confirm these details, but an officer’s jacket by Hawkes of 1812 has no tommy to the rear skirt. It records that the jacket had twenty large and four small buttons, sixteen yards of lace and black wings edged silver, with thirty-eight silver scales. ‘When the new jacket of 1812 was authorised the facings and lace remained unchanged. “The lace of the officers was silver double bias lace with a dark blue train or ladder at the centre. “The girdle issued with the new jacket of 1811-12 was white with two horizontal red stripes. “The 1812 jacket did not reach this unit until after 1813. “Charts of de Bosset and Charles Hamilton Smith confirm these details but the latter shows a blue or black train for the lace and the girdle. ——— mas 7th (or the Princess Royal's) Regiment of Dragoon Guards This regiment served throughout the Napoleonic War, home service only. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: +The facings for this regiment were black, the officers’ lace and buttons were gold and the breeches were white; the lace of the other ranks was yellow. “The loops of the early coat and jacket were in pairs. +New short jacket introduced in 1796. “There is an extant officer's jacket circa 1810 that confirms these details.56 Britis NaPoteonic UNIFORMS 5th (or Princess Charlotte of Wales's) Regiment of Dragoon Guards. | Officer Gilt button Bb ira 1810 Officer Trooper 1793-1796 1793-179658 Brivis NAPOLEONIC UNIFORMS 7th (or the Princess Royal's) Regiment of Dragoon Guards. cirea 1812 S i a Officer circa 1810 Officer 1793-1796 Helmet cirea 1812 circa 1810 le | Trooper bicom circa 1794-1810 : Officer bic Ce Officer dress 1796 Officer ew Gilt button circa 1810 Trooper circa 1812 aa Trooper Brass breast pl circa 1786 A Trooper circa 1798 " Officer dress circa 1798-1800 Trooper 1793-1796,REGIMENTS oF Heavy CAVALRY 59 ‘When the new jacket of 1812 was authorised the facings and lace remained unchanged. ‘The lace of the officers was gold double bias lace with a dark blue train or ladder at the centre. ‘The girdle issued with the new jacket of 1811-12 was yellow with two horizontal black stripes. The 1812 jacket did not reach this unit until after 1813. *Charts of de Bosset and Charles Hamilton Smith confirm these details but the latter shows a blue or black train for the lace and the girdle. Pes, ——— Ist (or the Royal) Regiment of Dragoons This regiment served in Europe throughout the Napoleonic War. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: The facings for this regiment were royal blue, the officers’ lace and buttons were gold and the breeches were white; the lace of the other ranks was yellow. “The loops of the early coat and jacket were in pairs, *New short jacket introduced in 1796. *The notes of JN&B Pearse record that the dragon jacket required four and a quarter yards of broad lace and one and a half yards of narrow lace, two breast buttons (for the shoulder straps), one large brass hook (for the girdle) and twenty brass hooks and eyes (to close the front). The cuff was two inches deep at the sides and three and a half inches at the centre. Trumpeters had the same quantity of lace as the private soldiers. The jacket was similar for all dragoon regiments. *The lace of the officers was gold double bias lace with a dark blue train or ladder at the centre. “The girdle issued with the new jacket of 1811-12 was yellow with two horizontal blue stripes. *Drawings of Pearse and the charts of de Bosset and Charles Hamilton Smith confirm these details but the latter shows a plain central lace and girdle stripes. POS 2nd (or the Royal North British) Regiment of Dragoons (known as Royal Scots Greys) This regiment served throughout the Napoleonic War. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: ‘The facings for this regiment were royal blue, the officers’ lace and buttons were gold and the breeches were White; the lace of the other ranks was white, but changed to yellow in October 1813. “The regiment wore a peaked fur hat of a similar style to that of the infantry fusiliers. The front plate and badges were of brass for the other ranks, gilt for the officers. The hat had a red crown embroidered with the White horse of Hanover. White plume, cords and tassels, brass chin scales. ‘The loops of the early coat and jacket were in pairs. ‘*New short jacket introduced in 1796. ‘*When the new jacket of 1812 was authorised the facings and lace remained unchanged ‘The lace of the officers was gold double bias lace with a dark blue train or ladder at the centre. “The girdle issued with the new jacket of 1811-12 was white with two horizontal blue stripes. The lace of the other ranks changed from white to yellow in 1813 and the colour of the girdle would have changed accordingly. *Charts of de Bosset and Charles Hamilton Smith confirm these details but the latter shows a plain central lace and girdle stripes. FeSO 3rd (or the King’s Own) Regiment of Dragoons This regiment served throughout the Napoleonic War. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: «The facings for this regiment were royal blue, the officers’ lace and buttons were gold, and the breeches were white; the lace of the other ranks was yellow. “The 1768 Regulations gives the loops of the early coat and jacket in threes, changed to pairs in 1796. ‘*New short jacket introduced in 1796. When the new jacket of 1812 was authorised the facings and lace remained unchanged. “The lace of the officers was gold double bias lace with a dark blue train or ladder at the centre.60 Barris NaPoLEoNic UNIFORMS Ist (or the Royal) Regiment of Dragoons. 7" Ai. circa 1812 Officer bicorn, a ow wo “ Dfficer bicorn — Officer Metal skullcap Officer bico circa 1812 1794-1812 2 gi bh ch aa ) Trooper bicom { | circa 1794-1810 a wl ‘ diy! ea Officer Officer Trooper circa 1807 inca 1803 circa 1796 ! , i i man = The 4 ‘a | ae _: ie y & Officer Gilt button Officer circa 1793, 1793-1796REGIMENTS oF Heavy CAVALRY 61 Officer 1793-1796 2nd (or the Royal North British) Regiment of Dragoons. | Fur cap 1793-1815 fE™ \ \ y Gilt button Officer : cirea 1800 1794-1812 a | e | iw62 Britis NAPOLEONIC UNIFORMS 3rd (or the King's Own) Regiment of Dragoons. Officer 1812-1815 Officer circa 1810 , | rE Officer 1793-1796 Ew ms El EGS Helmet cirea 1813 Officer bicorn 1793-1794 Helmet cirea 1812 Officer bicorn 1794-1812 Officer cirea 1800 a Trooper circa 1810 = Trooper 1793-1796 Officer dress circa 1798-1800REGIMENTS OF Heavy CAVALRY 63 “The girdle issued with the new jacket of 1811-12 was yellow with two horizontal blue stripes. Charts of de Bosset and Charles Hamilton Smith confirm the rest of the details but the latter shows a plain central lace and girdle stripes. ——— meas 4th (or the Queen’s Own) Regiment of Dragoons This regiment served throughout the Napoleonic War. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: ‘The facings for this regiment were dark green, the officers’ lace and buttons were silver, and the breeches were white; the lace of the other ranks was white. «The loops of the early coat and jacket were in pairs. ‘*New short jacket was introduced in 1796. ‘The jacket of the trumpeter in 1797 was white with scarlet collar, indented cuffs, wings and shoulder straps. There were two pockets in the plaits. Broad lace on the seams, breast, body and seven darts. Narrow lace on the frames round the jacket and loops. Wing edged with broad lace with fringe. The trumpet major had silver lace on collar twice round and silver fringe. *The jacket of the trumpeter in 1802 was white, faced red with red wings. Laced on body, seams and darts with yellow lace with blue centre. “When the new jacket of 1812 was authorised the facings and lace remained unchanged. «The lace of the officers was silver double bias lace with a green train or ladder at the centre. The girdle issued with the new jacket of 1811-12 was white with two horizontal green stripes. *Drawings of Pearse and the charts of de Bosset and Charles Hamilton Smith confirm these details but the latter shows a plain central lace and girdle stripes. Sth (or the Royal Irish) Dragoons Raised in 1689, disbanded 10 April 1799 at Chatham and not replaced during the Napoleonic War. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: *‘The facings for this regiment were royal blue, the officers’ lace and buttons were silver and the breeches were white; the lace of the other ranks was white. «The loops of the early coat and jacket were in threes but changed to pairs in 1796, +New short jacket introduced in 1796. «This regiment was disbanded in 1799. —— eines 6th (or the Inniskilling) Regiment of Dragoons This regiment served throughout the Napoleonic War. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: «The facings for this regiment were yellow, the officers’ lace and buttons were silver and the breeches were white; the lace of the other ranks was white “The loops of the early coat and jacket were in pairs. ‘*New short jacket introduced in 1796. ‘*When the new jacket of 1812 was authorised the facings and lace remained unchanged. +The lace of the officers was silver double bias lace with a dark blue train or ladder at the centre. The girdle issued with the new jacket of 1811-12 was white with two horizontal red stripes. *Charts of de Bosset and Charles Hamilton Smith confirm these details but the latter shows a plain yellow central lace and girdle stripes as yellow. «There is an extant jacket circa 1815 that confirms these details but shows a plain central lace and girdle stripes. ORS64 Britis NaPoLeonic UNIFORMS 4th (or the Queen's Own) Regiment of Dragoons. Dress bicorn circa 1794-1812 Trooper circa 1813 Officer j F circa 1813 i Met Officer circa 1810 Helmet circa 1813 er bicorn 93-1794 =6 cna con, | An Officer - Silver button 1793-1796 Officer dress circa 1786 circa 1798-1800RecIMENTs oF Heavy Cavatry 5th (or the Royal Irish) Dragoons. p> a a —— im ALLL) | Trumpeter 5)66 Britis Naoveonic UNIFORMS Officer Officer bicom ‘Trooper } Dress sash y Drea 1794-1812 after l a = stiton Ol Vans | ‘Smith == Officer Trooper circa 1813 cir 813 — = Officer Tr09 Shako after Hamilton Sith cia 1810 Hamet Orficer crea 1813, Dress sabretache cir 1812 => | | | Officer S — circa 1810 Officer ‘Trooper cine 1802 cir 110 ‘Trooper bicorn cirea 1793-1794 Officer Silver button Officer dress circa 1810 Trooper ciren 1798-1800 1793-1796CHAPTER EIGHT Regiments of Light Cavalry The sources used are shown below, but it should be noted that: The 1800 drawings of Charles Hamilton Smith show cavalry regiments only up to the 20th Light Dragoons. «The 1803 charts of de Bosset covers the cavalry regiments up to the 22nd Light Dragoons. *The 1812 Regulations list cavalry regiments up to the 25th Light Dragoons. *The 1812 charts of Charles Hamilton Smith cover the cavalry regiments up to the 25th Light Dragoons. *The military tailors JN&B Pearse only list those regiments for which records have survived but include drawings of the jackets of the other ranks and some trumpeters. 7th (or the Queen’s Own) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons This regiment was retitled on 25 December 1807 as: 7th (or the Queen’s Own) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons (HUSSARS) Apart from a detachment in the West Indies in 1794, this regiment served in Europe throughout the Napoleonic War. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: The facings for this regiment were white, the lace and buttons of the officers were silver; the lace of the other ranks ‘was white and the breeches were white. ‘The jacket of the trumpeter in 1799 was white with blue facings. The seams and sleeves were laced with broad lace; the sleeves were decorated in the ‘Glasgow’ fashion. The horseshoe wings, collar and round the jacket in narrow lace. Eighteen cord loops at the chest, round the collar and at the waist. The wings and three upward darts fringed. The jacket had a narrow frame to the lace on the chest around the pocket to the rear seam. There were two outside pockets. ‘The sabretache before the change to hussars was laced with silver and faced in white with the Queen’s cipher reversed and intertwined with a gilt crown. ‘The regiment was uniformed as hussars by September 1806 and was unique among the light cavalry in wearing gilt spurs for dress, ‘In 1811 the lace and buttons of the officers changed to gold, with yellow lace for the other ranks and in 1812 the cuffs and collar were of the same material as the dark blue jacket. This new clothing was issued between 1812 and 1813, but not worn until the return from the Peninsula in 1814. *Hussars had generally adopted a jacket with five rows of buttons by 1815. The centre buttons were ball and the ‘others half-ball There is an extant private soldier’s jacket circa 1815 that confirms these details.Brivis NaPoLeonic UNIFORMS 7th (or the Queen’s Own) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons (HUSSARS).RecIMENTs oF Liu CavaLRy Cc) = Fur cap Zt ‘Sabretache Sash Fur] Bag | Conds | Fur tace | Lining | Colour | tace Face | tace| Cords | Barrels Officer [Brown|Red| Gilt _[LtBrown’| Silver"| Crimson] Blue _| Silver [Crimson | White | Gilt [Crimson] Gold [Trooper | Brown| Red |White*| White” | White"| White | Blue |White™| Black [Black | - | Blue | White NCO [Brown] Red |White"] White | White"| White | Blue | White" Black | Black _| — [Crimson] Gilt Remarks: 1. Mirliton. Black, laced silver, pale blue inner face, gilt cords and flounders. Gilt rossette with red centre, white over red plume. 2. In 1811 the lace changed to gold or yellow, the fur of the pelisse to black and the sash to crimson and yellow. 3. Brown peakless shako worn in 1810, blue shako I81T to 1815, 4. The sabretache in 1815 was faced scarlet, laced gold, embroidered gold, PAS Sth (or the King’s Royal Irish) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons The regiment served throughout the Napoleonic War. Service at the Netherlands and the Cape 1795-1800, Egypt in 1801 and India after 1802. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: The facings for this regiment were red, scarlet in 1803, the lace and buttons of the officers were silver; the lace of the other ranks was white and the breeches were white. *The jacket of 1796 was French grey. «The trumpeter of 1799 wore a scarlet jacket with grey collar, cuffs, wings and shoulder straps. The seams, sleeves and nine downward darts on each sleeve were of broad lace; the darts and edge of the wing were unfringed. The shoulder strap, collar and jacket were laced around with narrow lace. The jacket had eighteen loops of silk twist cord, with lace around the collar and at the waist. The jacket had two outside pockets. With the adoption of the new style jacket in 1813 the facings remained scarlet and the lace and buttons of the officers changed to gold, with yellow lace for the other ranks. «The girdle of the 1811 jacket was scarlet with two blue horizontal stripes. — Resa 9th Regiment of (Light) Dragoons Apart from Buenos Aires in 1806, this regiment served in Europe throughout the Napoleonic War. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: The facings for this regiment were pale buff as were the breeches and linings. The lace and buttons of the officers were silver; the lace of the other ranks was white. *The jacket of 1796 was dark blue. *With the adoption of the new style jacket in 1812 the facings changed to crimson and the lace to gold; the lace of the other ranks changed to yellow. *The new jacket was adopted by this regiment by the end of 1812. *The charts of de Bosset and Charles Hamilton Smith confirm these details, but the latter shows a yellow girdle where the more usual colour was that of the facings. ORS. 0th, (or the Prince of Wales's Own) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons It was retitled in 1806 as: ‘th, Prince of Wales's Own Hussars Retitled on 18 April 1811: 0th (or the Prince of Wales's Own Royal) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons (HUSSARS) The regiment served in Europe throughout the Napoleonic War. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: *The facings for this regiment were yellow and the lace and buttons of the officers were silver; the lace of the other ranks was white and the breeches were white.Brivis NaPoLeonic UNIFORMS 8th (or the King’s Royal Irish) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons. (cna lieieneeiesssensinssneesensnsenamemsssiiineneiiieeesnetiticeasall id trooper shakos 1812-1815 Officer Tarleton helmet Ml 1793 Siiverbutton Tyreton met badge TrooperBritis NaPoLeontc UNIFORMS 10th (or the Prince of Wales’s Own Royal) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons (HUSSARS) Officer silver Trooper cirea 1796 Officer Tarleton oF helmet badge Trooper helmet rca 1793 Officer Trumpeter Trooper Trooper shell 1793-1796 1793-1796 1792-1796 1792-1796REGIMENTS OF LicHT CAVALRY 23 +The painting by Stubbs in the Royal Collection is the source for the illustrations of the trumpeters and other ranks’ shell jackets. The painting is dated 1793, but the uniform details suggest it predates this. ‘Regimental use of a frame for the lace had been introduced by 1793 for the officers but was not worn by the other ranks on the shell jacket. Pictorial evidence suggests that the officers had abandoned this practice in 1796 and the practice reverted to the other ranks for their jacket and pelisse. «The regiment was formally changed to hussar dress during 1806 and this was completed about the end of 1807. *The facings changed to scarlet when the regiment became ‘Royal’ in 1811, with the lace remaining silver for the officers and white lace for the other ranks. *In 1814 the collar and cuffs changed to the same dark blue as the jacket; the lace and buttons of the officers changed to gold and those of the other ranks to yellow. *Non-commissioned officers wore the crest of the Prince of Wales over their chevrons. ‘Hussars had generally adopted a jacket with five rows of buttons by 1815. The centre buttons were ball and the others half-ball 5 ‘Sabrewche Sash Rank Ta ace [Cining [Cotour | tace—| Colour | Face [Tact] Conds | Wart Officer | Grey | Red Grey* | Silver* | Crimson | Scarlet | Silver* [Crimson | Scarlet [Silver*| Crimson] Gold Remarks: 1. In 1811 the sash of the other ranks change to crimson and yellow,the lace changed to gold or yellow, the bag of the fur cap to red and the fur of the pelisse to black 2, Mirliton. Black, laced silver, scarlet inner face laced gold, gilt cords and flounders. Gilt rossette with red centre, white over red plume. A Similar version laced silver is also shown by Dighton. 3. Black peakless shako worn in the Peninsula, scarlet shako in 1812. 4. The sabretache in 1815 was faced scarlet, laced gold, embroidered gold and silver. PERS 1th Regiment of (Light) Dragoons This regiment served throughout the Napoleonic War. Fifty men served in the West Indies in 1794, one squadron in Egypt in 1801, the rest of the service was in Europe. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: «The facings for this regiment were pale buff as were the linings and breeches. The lace and buttons of the officers were silver; the lace of the other ranks was white «The jacket of 1796 was dark blue. *The trumpeter of 1797 wore a pale buff jacket with blue collar, cuffs, wings and shoulder straps. The seams, sleeves and seven downward darts on each sleeve were of broad lace; the darts and edge of the wing were in fringed white. The shoulder strap, collar and jacket were laced around with narrow lace. The jacket had eighteen loops of silk twist cord and there was a row of cord between each dart. The jacket had two buttons at the waist and wrist. *With the adoption of the new style jacket of 1811, the facings, lace and buttons remained unchanged. *The 1811 girdle was pale buff with two blue stripes. *There is an extant jacket circa 1811 that confirms these details. POS — 12th (or the Prince of Wales's) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons This regiment served in the Mediterranean, as marines in 1794, in Egypt in 1801 and in Europe throughout the rest of the Napoleonic War. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: The facings for this regiment were pale yellow, the lace and buttons of the officers were silver; the lace of the other ranks was white and the breeches were white.74 Britis NAPOLEONIC UNIFORMS ‘1th Regiment of (Light) Dragoons. M —— Officer circa 1811 Officer rea 1793-1796 Tarleton helmet badg¢ —— Officer and trooper shako circa 1812-1815 Aa ab > Trumpeter Officer Dress sabretache circa 1811 Trooper helmet ates Trooper ciren 1812-1815 Trooper circa 1796 Troope circa 1793.76 Britisit NaPoLeonic UNIFORMS With the introduction of the new style jacket of 1811 the facings changed to yellow, the lace remained unchanged. *The 1811 girdle was yellow with two blue stripes. POR 13th Regiment of (Light) Dragoons This regiment served in the West Indies 1796-98, and in Europe throughout the rest of the Napoleonic War. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: *The facings for this regiment were pale buff as were the linings and breeches. The lace and buttons of the officers were gold; the lace of the other ranks was yellow. The jacket of 1796 was dark blue. With the introduction of the new style jacket of 1811 the facings and lace remained unchanged. *The 1811 girdle was pale buff with two blue stripes. *The new jacket was adopted by this regiment by the end of 1812. There is an extant jacket circa 1812 that confirms these details. Fema th Regiment of (Light) Dragoons This regiment was retitled from 1798 as the: ith (or the Duchess of York’s Own) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons This regiment served throughout the Napoleonic War. It saw service in San Domingo in 1793-179, Egypt in 1801, in Europe and in the Second American War in 1814-15. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: The facings for this regiment were lemon yellow and the lace and buttons of the officers were silver; the lace of the other ranks was white and the breeches were white. *The jacket of 1796 was dark blue. ©The facings changed to orange in 1798 but the lace remained unchanged. ©The trumpeter of 1799 wore an orange jacket with blue collar, cuffs, wings and shoulder straps. The seams, sleeves and eight upward darts on each sleeve were of broad lace; the edge of the wing was fringed. The shoulder straps, collar and jacket were laced around with narrow lace. The jacket had eighteen loops of silk twist cord and ornaments at the waist. The jacket had no outside pockets, *With the introduction of the new style jacket of 1811 the facings and lace remained unchanged. *The 1812 girdle was orange with two blue stripes, PCRS 15th (or the King’s) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons It was retitled in March 1807 as: 15th (or the King’s) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons (HUSSARS) The regiment served in Europe throughout the Napoleonic War. The sources consulted provided the following remarks on the uniform of this regiment: *The facings for this regiment were scarlet and the lace and buttons of the officers were silver; the lace of the other ranks was white and the breeches were white. *The 1796 jacket for officers had wings with metal scales at the shoulder. The trumpeter in 1797 wore a scarlet jacket with blue collar, wings and cuffs. It had two outside pockets and the seams and the seven downward darts were in broad lace. The collar, wings, shoulder strap and jacket were laced about in narrow lace. The wings and darts were fringed with yellow silk and the hip and wrist omaments were looped with blue and yellow silk cord. There were two yellow buttons at the wrist. The jacket had eighteen rows of lace with large yellow buttons. *A scarlet plume for the Tarleton helmet was authorised in 1799. *The change to hussar dress was begun by 1806 and finished by the summer of 1807 when the fur caps were received. *NCOs were distinguished by light brown fur to the cap and pelisse. They also wore a crown over the chevrons on the right arm after 1801. *The scarlet shako was adopted in early 1813.